Modified lysine-mimetic compounds

ABSTRACT

Lysine mimetic compounds having useful pharmacological activity such as antiarrhythmic activity and desirable bioavailability properties are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/753,628, filed Dec. 23, 2005, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present teachings relate to lysine mimetic compounds havingpharmacological activity, such as antiarrhythmic activity, and desirablebioavailability properties. The present teachings further relate topharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods ofusing and making such compounds and compositions.

BACKGROUND

There is increasing recognition that intercellular communication isessential for cellular homeostasis, proliferation and differentiation.Such communication is believed to be facilitated by gap junctions. Thesestructures are thought to be a route for coupling cells and permitting“cross-talk.” (See generally, Sperelakis N., eds., Cell Interactions andGap Junctions, CRC Press, Inc. (1989)). The cross-talk between gapjunctions is referred to as “gap junctional intercellular communication”(GJIC).

Generally, gap junctions are specialized regions of the cell membranethat contain clusters of hundreds to thousands of densely packedchannels that directly connect the cytoplasm of two adjacent cells. Thegap junction channels are composed of two hemichannels, or connexons,provided by each of two neighboring cells. Each connexon, in turn, ismade up of six proteins called connexins.

In the heart, conduction of electrical impulses takes place through gapjunctions. Abnormal GJIC has been linked to a variety of disease states,including heart disease. For example, it has been shown that miceheterozygous for the Cx43 gene, which codes for a specific ventricularconnexin, develop spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias and suffer fromsudden cardiac death. (Guerrero et al., J. Clin. Invest., 99, 1991-1998(1997)). Reduced expression of Cx43 in heterozygous mice is directlylinked to an increased incidence of ventricular arrhythmias duringischemia. (Lerner et al., Circulation, 101, 547-552 (2000)). Severalother studies have shown reduced expression or altered distribution ofCx43 in chronically ischemic, hibernating, or hypertrophied hearts.(Kaprelian et al., Circulation, 97, 651-660 (1998); Peters et al.,Circulation, 88, 864-875 (1993); Saffitz et al., Cardiovasc. Res., 42,309-317 (1999)).

Several peptides that influence GJIC have been identified, includingantiarrhythmic peptides AAP (Aonuma et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull. (Tokyo),28, 3332-3339 (1980)), AAP10 (Dhein et al., Naunyn Schmiedebergs ArchPharmacol., 350, 174-184 (1994); Muller et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol., 327,65-72 (1997)), and HP5 (disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,743). However,these peptides exhibit undesirable characteristics, including lowstability, short half-life, and a lack of oral bioavailability.

SUMMARY

Broadly, the present teachings relate to lysine mimetic compounds havinguseful pharmacological activity, such as antiarrhythmic activity, anddesirable bioavailability properties. The present teachings providecompounds represented generally by Formula I:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof, wherein Y is OX, OR², NXR², or NR²R³; k is 0, 1, or 2; X is Hor a lysine mimetic; X′ is OR³, NR²R³, or a lysine mimetic; R¹ is H, anoptionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, or an amino acid sidechain; and R² and R³ are defined as described herein.

Particular examples of compounds according to the present teachingsinclude 4-amino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (4-aminoproline, 4Amp)analogs having Formula II or Formula III:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof, wherein A, B, E, k, R¹, R⁴, R⁵, Y′, Z and Z′ are definedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the results of a test to study the effect of the compoundson metabolic stress induced atrial conduction slowing and in an in vitromodel as described in Haugan et al., J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol., 16,537-545 (2005).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, the present teachings provide compounds represented byFormula I:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates and prodrugsthereof;wherein:

-   -   Y is selected from OX, OR², NXR², and NR²R³;    -   k is 0, 1, or 2;    -   X is H or a lysine mimetic;    -   X′ is selected from OR³, NR²R³, and a lysine mimetic;    -   R¹ is selected from H, an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an        optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted        C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, and an amino acid side chain;    -   R² and R³ each independently is selected from H, an optionally        substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀        cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, an        optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted        3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, an optionally substituted 5-20        membered heteroaryl, C(O)R⁶, C(O)OR⁶, C(O)NR⁶R⁷, S(O)₂R⁶, and        S(O)₂NR⁶R⁷;    -   alternatively, R² and R³ together with the nitrogen atom to        which they are bound form a 3-20 membered heterocycle optionally        containing 1-4 ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, N        and S and optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups;    -   R⁶ and R⁷ each independently is selected from H, an optionally        substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀        cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, an        optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, an optionally substituted        C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, an        optionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, an        optionally substituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl, C(O)R⁸,        C(O)OR⁸, and C(O)NR⁸R⁹;    -   alternatively, R⁶ and R⁷ together with the nitrogen atom to        which they are bound form a 3-20 membered heterocycle optionally        containing 1-4 ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, N        and S and optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups;    -   R⁸ and R⁹ each independently is selected from H, an optionally        substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀        cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, an        optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, an optionally substituted        C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, an        optionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, and an        optionally substituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl;    -   Q, at each occurrence, independently is selected from an        optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted        C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, an        optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀ cycloalkyl, an optionally        substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl,        an optionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, an        optionally substituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl, F, Cl, Br, I,        CN, CF₃, OCF₃, NO₂, OR⁸, SR⁸, S⁺R⁸ ₂, S(O)R⁸, S(O)₂R⁸, S(O)₂OH,        S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NR⁸S(O)₂R⁹, C(O)R⁸, C(O)OR⁸, C(O)NR⁸R⁹, OC(O)R⁸,        NR⁸R⁹, NR⁸C(O)R⁹, NR⁸C(O)OR⁹, NR⁸C(O)NR⁸R⁹, and N⁺R⁸ ₃;        provided:    -   a) when Y is OX or NXR² and X is H, X′ is a lysine mimetic;    -   b) when Y is OR² or NR²R³, X′ is a lysine mimetic; and    -   c) the compound is not        1-(2-aminopropanoyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid or        1-(2-aminopropanoyl)-4-benzamidopiperidine-2-carboxylic acid.

Some embodiments of the present teachings include those compounds andpharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates and prodrugsthereof, wherein Y is OX or NXR², X′ is OR³ or NR²R³, and X is a lysinemimetic, wherein the lysine mimetic is selected from:

wherein:

-   -   Z′ is selected from H, (CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl, (CH₂)_(m)-5-20        membered heteroaryl, C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl,        C(O)(CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryl, (CH₂)_(m)C(O)—C₆₋₂₀        aryl, (CH₂)_(m)C(O)-5-20 membered heteroaryl,        S(O)₂(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl, and S(O)₂(CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered        heteroaryl, wherein each of the C₆₋₂₀ aryl and 5-20 membered        heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups;    -   R⁵ is H or an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl;    -   m is 0, 1, or 2; and    -   Q, R² and R³ are defined as described above.

In other embodiments, Y is OR², NR²R³, OX or NXR², X is H, and X′ is alysine mimetic, wherein the lysine mimetic is selected from:

wherein:

-   -   Z′ is selected from H, (CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl, (CH₂)_(m)-5-20        membered heteroaryl, C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl,        C(O)(CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryl, (CH₂)_(m)C(O)C₆₋₂₀ aryl,        (CH₂)_(m)C(O)-5-20 membered heteroaryl, S(O)₂(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀        aryl, and S(O)₂(CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryl, wherein each        of the C₆₋₂₀ aryl and 5-20 membered heteroaryl is optionally        substituted with 1-5 Q groups;    -   R⁵ is H or an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl;    -   m is 0, 1, or 2;    -   E is selected from C(O)OR⁶, C(O)NR⁶R⁷, and a carboxylic acid        bioisostere; and    -   Q, R², R³, R⁶ and R⁷ are defined as described above.

In some examples of these embodiments, E is C(O)OH. In other examples, Eis C(O)NR⁶R⁷ (e.g., C(O)NHR⁷ or C(O)NH₂).

In any of the compounds of the present teachings, Z′ can beC(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups and mcan be 0. For example, Z′ can be benzoyl.

In some embodiments of the compounds of the present teachings, R¹ is H.In other embodiments, R¹ is an amino acid side chain. Examples ofsuitable amino acid side chains for R¹ can include, but are not limitedto, the side chains of valine, norvaline, leucine, norleucine,isoleucine, methionine, alanine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan,serine, threonine, cysteine, lysine, argenine, histidine, aspartic acid,glutamic acid, asparagine, glutamine, ornithine, 2,4-diaminobutyricacid, and 2,6-diaminopimelic acid.

In some embodiments, k is 0; in others, k is 1.

Particular compounds of the present teachings have structuresrepresented by Formulae I(a)-I(p) below, wherein X′ is OR³ (e.g., OH) orNR²R³ (e.g., NH₂), Y is OR² (e.g., OH) or NR²R³ (e.g., NH₂), E isC(O)OR⁶ or C(O)NR⁶R⁷, and R¹, R², R³, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and Z′ are defined asdescribed herein:

Certain compounds of the present teachings have structures representedby Formulae I(q)-I(x) below, wherein R¹, R², E and each R⁵ and Z′ (eachof which can be the same or different) are defined as describes herein:

In some embodiments, the present teachings provide compounds of FormulaI and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates and prodrugsthereof, wherein X′ is OR³ or NR²R³ (e.g., OH or NH₂), Y is NXR², X is

and Z′, k, R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ are defined as described above. In someexamples of these compounds, Z′ is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionallysubstituted with 1-5 Q groups, and m is 0 (e.g., Z′ can be benzoyl). Insome compounds, R¹ is H. In others, R¹ is an amino acid side chain,wherein the amino acid is selected from valine, leucine, isoleucine,methionine, alanine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, serine,threonine, cysteine, lysine, argenine, histidine, aspartic acid,glutamic acid, asparagine and glutamine. In some compounds, k is 0; inothers, k is 1. Specific examples of compounds according to theseembodiments of the present teachings include, but are not limited to,3-[(4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]-propionic acid,{[4-(4-nitro-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}-acetic acid,{[4-(4-methoxy-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}-acetic acid,2-[(4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]-succinamic acid,2-[(4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]-3-phenyl-propionicacid,2-[(4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]-4-methyl-pentanoicacid, 6-amino-2-(4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)hexanoic acid,[(4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic acid,{[4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}-acetic acid,{[4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}-propionic acid, andpharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof.

In certain embodiments, the present teachings provide compounds ofFormula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates andprodrugs thereof, wherein X′ is OR³ or NR²R³ (e.g., OH or NH₂), Y isNXR², X is

and Z′, k, R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ are defined as described above. In someexamples of these compounds, Z′ is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionallysubstituted with 1-5 Q groups, and m is 0 (e.g., Z′ can be benzoyl). Insome compounds, R¹ is H. In others, R¹ is an amino acid side chain,wherein the amino acid is selected from valine, leucine, isoleucine,methionine, alanine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, serine,threonine, cysteine, lysine, argenine, histidine, aspartic acid,glutamic acid, asparagine and glutamine. In some compounds, k is 0; inothers, k is 1. Specific examples of compounds according to theseembodiments of the present teachings include, but are not limited to,3-amino-5-benzoylamino-benzoylamino)-acetic acid,(3-amino-5-(4-methoxy-benzoylamino)-benzoylamino)-acetic acid,(3-amino-5-(4-methyl-benzoylamino)-benzoylamino)-acetic acid,(3,5-diamino-benzoylamino)-acetic acid, and pharmaceutically acceptablesalts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugs thereof.

In some embodiments, the present teachings provide compounds of FormulaI and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates and prodrugsthereof, wherein X′ is OR³ or NR²R³ (e.g., OH or NH₂), Y is NXR², X is

and Z′, k, R¹, R² and R³ are defined as described above. In someexamples of these compounds, Z′ is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionallysubstituted with 1-5 Q groups, and m is 0 (e.g., Z′ can be benzoyl). Insome compounds, R¹ is H. In others, R¹ is an amino acid side chain,wherein the amino acid is selected from valine, leucine, isoleucine,methionine, alanine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, serine,threonine, cysteine, lysine, argenine, histidine, aspartic acid,glutamic acid, asparagine and glutamine. In some compounds, k is 0; inothers, k is 1. Specific examples of compounds according to theseembodiments of the present teachings include, but are not limited to,[(1-benzoyl-imidazolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]acetic acid,{[1-(4-nitro-benzoyl)-imidazolidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}acetic acid, andpharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof.

In certain embodiments, the present teachings provide compounds ofFormula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates andprodrugs thereof, wherein X′ is OR³ or NR²R³ (e.g., OH or NH₂), Y isNXR², X is

and Z′, k, R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ are defined as described above. In someexamples of these compounds, Z′ is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionallysubstituted with 1-5 Q groups, and m is 0 (e.g., Z′ can be benzoyl). Insome compounds, R¹ is H. In others, R¹ is an amino acid side chain,wherein the amino acid is selected from valine, leucine, isoleucine,methionine, alanine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, serine,threonine, cysteine, lysine, argenine, histidine, aspartic acid,glutamic acid, asparagine and glutamine. In some compounds, k is 0; inothers, k is 1. Specific examples of compounds according to theseembodiments of the present teachings include, but are not limited to,[2-amino-3-(4-benzoylamino-phenyl)-propionylamino]-acetic acid,2-{2-amino-3-[4-(4-methoxybenzamido)phenyl]propanamido}acetic acid,2-{2-amino-3-[4-(4-nitrobenzamido)phenyl]propanamido}acetic acid,2-{2-amino-3-[4-(4-methylbenzamido)phenyl]propanamido}acetic acid, andpharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof.

In some embodiments, the present teachings provide compounds of FormulaI and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates and prodrugsthereof, wherein X′ is OR³ or NR²R³ (e.g., OH or NH₂), Y is NXR², X is

and Z′, k, R¹, R² and R³ are defined as described above. In someexamples of these compounds, Z′ is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionallysubstituted with 1-5 Q groups, and m is 0 (e.g., Z′ can be benzoyl). Insome compounds, R¹ is H. In others, R¹ is an amino acid side chain,wherein the amino acid is selected from valine, leucine, isoleucine,methionine, alanine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, serine,threonine, cysteine, lysine, argenine, histidine, aspartic acid,glutamic acid, asparagine and glutamine. In some compounds, k is 0; inothers, k is 1. Specific examples of compounds according to theseembodiments of the present teachings include, but are not limited to,[(4-amino-1-benzoyl-piperidine-4-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic acid andpharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof.

In certain embodiments, the present teachings provide compounds ofFormula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates andprodrugs thereof, wherein Y is OR² or NR²R³, X′ is

and Z′, k, E, R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ are defined as described above, providedthe compound is not1-(2-aminopropanoyl)-4-benzamidopiperidine-2-carboxylic acid. In someexamples of these embodiments, Y is OH or NH₂. In some compounds, E isC(O)OR⁶ (e.g., C(O)OH) or C(O)NR⁶R⁷ (e.g., C(O)NHR⁷ or C(O)NH₂). In somecompounds, Z′ is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionally substituted with1-5 Q groups, and m is 0 (e.g., Z′ is benzoyl). In some compounds, R¹ isH. In others, R¹ is an amino acid side chain, wherein the amino acid isselected from valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, alanine,phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, serine, threonine, cysteine,lysine, argenine, histidine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, asparagineand glutamine (provided the compound is not1-(2-aminopropanoyl)-4-benzamidopiperidine-2-carboxylic acid). In somecompounds, k is 0; in others, k is 1. Specific examples of compoundsaccording to these embodiments of the present teachings include, but arenot limited to,1-(2-amino-4-carboxy-butyryl)-4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carboxylicacid,1-(2-amino-4-methyl-pentanoyl)-4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carboxylicacid, 4-benzoylamino-1-(2,6-diamino-hexanoyl)-piperidine-2-carboxylicacid, 1-(2-amino-acetyl)-4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carboxylic acid,1-(3-amino-propionyl)-4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carboxylic acid,1-[2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-propionyl]-4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carboxylicacid,1-(2-amino-3-phenyl-propionyl)-4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carboxylicacid, 4-benzoylamino-1-(2-hydroxy-acetyl)-piperidine-2-carboxylic acid,and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof.

In some embodiments, the present teachings provide compounds of FormulaI and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates and prodrugsthereof, wherein Y is OR² or NR²R³, X′ is

and Z′, k, E, R¹, R² and R³ are defined as described above. In someexamples of these embodiments, Y is OH or NH₂. In some compounds, E isC(O)OR⁶ (e.g., C(O)OH) or C(O)NR⁶R⁷ (e.g., C(O)NHR⁷ or C(O)NH₂). In somecompounds, Z′ is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionally substituted with1-5 Q groups, and m is 0 (e.g., Z′ is benzoyl). In some compounds, R¹ isH. In others, R¹ is an amino acid side chain, wherein the amino acid isselected from valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, alanine,phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, serine, threonine, cysteine,lysine, argenine, histidine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, asparagineand glutamine. In some compounds, k is 0; in others, k is 1. Specificexamples of compounds according to these embodiments of the presentteachings include, but are not limited to,1-(2-amino-4-carboxy-butyroyl)-3-benzoyl-imidazolidine-2-carboxylicacid, 1-benzoyl-3-(2-hydroxy-acetyl)-imidazolidine-2-carboxylic acidamide, 1-benzoyl-3-(2-hydroxy-acetyl)-imidazolidine-2-carboxylic acid,and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof.

In certain embodiments, the present teachings provide compounds ofFormula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates andprodrugs thereof, wherein Y is OR² or NR²R³, X′ is

and Z′, k, E, R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ are defined as described above. In someexamples of these embodiments, Y is OH or NH₂. In some compounds, E isC(O)OR⁶ (e.g., C(O)OH) or C(O)NR⁶R⁷ (e.g., C(O)NHR⁷ or C(O)NH₂). In somecompounds, Z′ is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionally substituted with1-5 Q groups, and m is 0 (e.g., Z′ is benzoyl). In some compounds, R¹ isH. In others, R¹ is an amino acid side chain, wherein the amino acid isselected from valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, alanine,phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, serine, threonine, cysteine,lysine, argenine, histidine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, asparagineand glutamine. In some compounds, k is 0; in others, k is 1. Specificexamples of compounds according to these embodiments of the presentteachings include, but are not limited to,3-benzoylamino-5-(2-hydroxy-acetylamido)-benzoic acid,3-(2-aminoacetamido)-5-benzamidobenzoic acid,3-(2-aminoacetamido)-5-(4-methylbenzamido)benzoic acid,3-(2-amino-3-carbamoyl-propionylamino)-5-benzoylamino-benzoic acid, andpharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof.

In certain embodiments, the present teachings provide compounds ofFormula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates andprodrugs thereof, wherein Y is OR² or NR²R³, X′ is

and Z′, k, E, R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ are defined as described above. In someexamples of these embodiments, Y is OH or NH₂. In some compounds, E isC(O)OR⁶ (e.g., C(O)OH) or C(O)NR⁶R⁷ (e.g., C(O)NHR⁷ or C(O)NH₂). In somecompounds, Z′ is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionally substituted with1-5 Q groups, and m is 0 (e.g., Z′ is benzoyl). In some compounds, R¹ isH. In others, R¹ is an amino acid side chain, wherein the amino acid isselected from valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, alanine,phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, serine, threonine, cysteine,lysine, argenine, histidine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, asparagineand glutamine. In some compounds, k is 0; in others, k is 1. Specificexamples of compounds according to these embodiments of the presentteachings include, but are not limited to,3-(4-benzoylamino-phenyl)-2-(2-hydroxy-acetylamido)-propionic acid,N-{4-[2-carbamoyl-2-(2-hydroxy-acetylamido)-ethyl]-phenyl}-benzamide,and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof.

In some embodiments, the present teachings provide compounds of FormulaI and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates and prodrugsthereof, wherein Y is OR² or NR²R³, X′ is

and Z′, k, E, R¹, R² and R³ are defined as described above. In someexamples of these embodiments, Y is OH or NH₂. In some compounds, E isC(O)OR⁶ (e.g., C(O)OH) or C(O)NR⁶R⁷ (e.g., C(O)NHR⁷ or C(O)NH₂). In somecompounds, Z′ is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionally substituted with1-5 Q groups, and m is 0 (e.g., Z′ is benzoyl). In some compounds, R¹ isH. In others, R¹ is an amino acid side chain, wherein the amino acid isselected from valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, alanine,phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, serine, threonine, cysteine,lysine, argenine, histidine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, asparagineand glutamine. In some compounds, k is 0; in others, k is 1. Specificexamples of compounds according to these embodiments of the presentteachings include, but are not limited to,4-benzoylamino-1-(2-hydroxy-acetylamido)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid,4-(2-aminoacetamido)-1-benzoylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid, andpharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof.

The present teachings include all stereoisomers of the compoundsdescribed herein. For example, the stereochemistry of dipeptideembodiments of the present teachings can be 2R4R, 2R4S, 2S4S, or 2S4R.

In another aspect, the present teachings provide compounds having theFormula II:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates and prodrugsthereof,wherein:

-   -   A is (CH₂)_(k)—Y′;    -   k is 0, 1, or 2;    -   Y′ is OR² or NR²R³;    -   R¹ is selected from H, an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an        optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted        C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, and an amino acid side chain;    -   alternatively, A and R¹ together with the carbon atom to which        they are bound form a 5-20 membered heteroaryl containing 1-4        ring heteroatoms independently selected from N, O, and S and        optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups;    -   B is selected from NR⁵, NR⁵(CH₂)_(n)C(O), NR⁵(CH₂)_(n)S(O)₂, and        an amide bioisostere;    -   n is 0, 1, or 2;    -   Z is selected from H, (CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionally        substituted with 1-5 Q groups, and (CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered        heteroaryl optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups;    -   m is 0, 1, or 2;    -   E is selected from C(O)OR⁶, C(O)NR⁶R⁷, a carboxylic acid        bioisostere and an amide bioisostere;    -   Q, at each occurrence, independently is selected from an        optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted        C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, an        optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀ cycloalkyl, an optionally        substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl,        an optionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, an        optionally substituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl, F, Cl, Br, I,        CN, CF₃, OCF₃, NO₂, OR⁸, SR , S⁺R⁸ ₂, S(O)R⁸, S(O)₂R⁸, S(O)₂OH,        S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NR⁸S(O)₂R⁹, C(O)R⁸, C(O)OR⁸, C(O)NR⁸R⁹, OC(O)R⁸,        NR⁸R⁹, NR⁸C(O)R⁹, NR⁸C(O)OR⁹, NR⁸C(O)NR⁸R⁹, and N⁺R⁸ ₃;    -   R² and R³ each independently is selected from H, an optionally        substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀        cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, an        optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted        3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, an optionally substituted 5-20        membered heteroaryl, C(O)R⁶, C(O)OR⁶, C(O)NR⁶R⁷, S(O)₂R⁶, and        S(O)₂NR⁶R⁷;    -   alternatively, R² and R³ together with the nitrogen atom to        which they are bound form a 3-20 membered heterocycle optionally        containing 1-4 ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, N        and S atoms and optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups;    -   R⁵ is H or an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl;    -   R⁶ and R⁷ each independently is selected from H, an optionally        substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀        cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, an        optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, an optionally substituted        C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, an        optionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, an        optionally substituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl, C(O)R⁸,        C(O)OR⁸, and C(O)NR⁸R⁹;    -   alternatively, R⁶ and R⁷ together with the nitrogen atom to        which they are bound form a 3-20 membered heterocycle optionally        containing 1-4 ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, N        and S and optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups; and    -   R⁸ and R⁹ each independently is selected from H, an optionally        substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀        cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, an        optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, an optionally substituted        C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, an        optionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, and an        optionally substituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl, provided that        the compound is not        1-(2-aminopropanoyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid.

In some embodiments, A is (CH₂)_(k)—Y′ and Y′ is NR²R³. Examples ofthese embodiments include compounds wherein R² is H and R³ is selectedfrom H (i.e., Y′ is NH₂), an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C(O)R⁶,and C(O)OR⁶. In some examples, A is (CH₂)_(k)—Y′, Y′ is NR²R³, R² is H,R³ is C(O)R⁶ and R⁶ is H or an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl. Inother examples, A is (CH₂)_(k)—Y′, Y′ is NR²R³ and R² and R³ eachindependently is an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl. In otherembodiments, Y′ is OR² and R² is H or a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl. In any of theseexamples, k can be 0, 1 or 2.

In certain embodiments, A and R¹ together with the carbon atom to whichthey are bound form a 5-20 membered heterocycle containing 1-4 ringheteroatoms independently selected from N, O, and S and optionallysubstituted with 1-5 Q groups. Examples of heterocycle groups caninclude, but are not limited to, piperidine, piperazine, morpholine,thiomorpholine, pyrrolidine, oxazolidine, thiazolidine, imidazolidine,pyrrole, imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, tetrazole, furan, thiofuran,oxazole, isoxazole, thiazole, isothiazole, oxadiazole, thiadiazole,pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, indole, benzofuran, andbenzothiophene, each of which optionally can be substituted. Exemplarycompounds of these embodiments include, but are not limited to,4-benzamido-1-(1H-imidazole-2-carbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid,4-benzamido-1-(1H-pyrazole-5-carbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid, and4-benzamido-1-(1H-imidazole-5-carbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid.

In some embodiments, B is NR⁵(CH₂)_(n)C(O), n is 0 (i.e., B is NR⁵C(O)),and Z is a C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups or a 5-20membered heteroaryl optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups. Examplesof these embodiments include compounds wherein R⁵ is H (i.e., B isNHC(O)). In some compounds, Z is a phenyl optionally substituted with1-5 Q groups, such as, for example, F, Cl, Br, I, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, CF₃,OCF₃, NO₂, O—C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, OH, NH₂, NH(C₁₋₁₀ alkyl), N(C₁₋₁₀ alkyl)₂, orNHC(O)C₁₋₁₀ alkyl. In certain embodiments B-Z is NHC(O)-phenyl. In someembodiments, Z is (CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryl optionallysubstituted with 1-5 Q groups. In certain embodiments, m is 0. Exemplarycompounds of these embodiments include, but are not limited to,1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(picolinamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid,1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(nicotinamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid,1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(isonicotinamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid,1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(pyrimidine-5-carboxamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(2-fluorobenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(3-fluorobenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(4-fluorobenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(2-methylbenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(3-methylbenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(4-methylbenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(4-methoxybenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(3-methoxybenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(4-hydroxybenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, and1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(3-hydroxybenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid.

In some embodiments, B is NR⁵(CH₂)_(n)C(O), n is 0 (i.e., B is NR⁵C(O))and Z is (CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groupsor (CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryl optionally substituted with 1-5 Qgroups, wherein m is 1 or 2. A non-limiting example of these embodimentsis 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(2-phenylacetamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid.In other embodiments, B is NR⁵(CH₂)_(n)C(O) wherein n is 1 or 2. Anon-limiting example of these embodiments is1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(2-oxo-2-phenylethylamino)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid).

In other embodiments, B is NR⁵, R⁵ is H, Z is (CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryloptionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups or (CH₂)_(m)-5-20 memberedheteroaryl optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups, and m is 0 (e.g.,1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(phenylamino)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid) or 1(e.g., 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(benzylamino)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid).In still other embodiments, B is NR⁵(CH₂)_(n)S(O)₂, n is 0 (i.e., B isNR⁵S(O)₂) and Z is (CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionally substituted with 1-5Q groups or (CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryl optionally substitutedwith 1-5 Q groups. One non-limiting example of these embodiments is1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(phenylsulfonamido) pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid).

In still other embodiments, B is an amide bioisostere, such as, forexample, imidazole, oxazole, thiazole, pyrazole, triazole, oxadiazole,thiadiazole, or tetrazole, each of which optionally can be substituted.Exemplary compounds of these embodiments include, but are not limitedto, 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(4-phenyloxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(5-phenyloxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid,1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(5-phenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, and1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(4-phenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid.

In some embodiments, E is C(O)OR⁶. Examples include compounds wherein Eis C(O)OH. In other embodiments, E is C(O)NR⁶R⁷. In some compounds, E isC(O)NH₂. In other compounds, E is C(O)NR⁶R⁷, R⁶ is H, and R⁷ is selectedfrom an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substitutedC₃₋₂₀ cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionallysubstituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, and an optionallysubstituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl.

In other embodiments, E is a carboxylic acid bioisostere such as, forexample, imidazole, oxazole, thiazole, pyrazole, triazole, oxadiazole,thiadiazole, or tetrazole, each of which optionally can be substituted.Exemplary compounds of these embodiments include, but are not limitedto, N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide,N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide,N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(5-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide,N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(5-isopropyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl[benzamide,N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(oxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide,N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(5-isopropyloxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide,N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(5-methyloxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide,N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(4-methyloxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide,N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide,N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(3-isopropyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide,N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide,N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide,N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide,N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(3-isopropyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide,N-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide,andN-[1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide.

In some embodiments, when A is (CH₂)_(k)—Y′, Y′ is NH₂, k is O, E isC(O)OH, B is NHC(O), and Z is phenyl, then R¹ is not methyl. In otherembodiments, when A is (CH₂)_(k)—Y′, Y′ is NH₂, k is O, R¹ is methyl, Eis C(O)OH, and Z′ is phenyl, then the phenyl is substituted with atleast one Q group. In still other embodiments, when A is (CH₂)_(k)—Y′,Y′ is NH₂, k is O, R¹ is methyl, B is NHC(O), and Z is phenyl, then E isnot C(O)OH. In other embodiments, when A is (CH₂)_(k)—Y′, Y′ is NH₂, R¹is methyl, E is C(O)OH, B is NHC(O), and Z′ is phenyl, then k is 1 or 2.In yet other embodiments, when A is (CH₂)_(k)—Y′, k is O, R¹ is methyl,E is C(O)OH, B is NHC(O), and Z′ is phenyl, then Y′ is not NH₂.

Compounds according to the present teachings include those having thefollowing structures:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof.

In another aspect, the present teachings provide compounds having theFormula III:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof, wherein:

-   -   Y′ is OR² or NR²R³;    -   k is 0, 1, or 2;    -   Z′ is selected from H, (CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl, (CH₂)_(m)-5-20        membered heteroaryl, C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl,        C(O)(CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryl, (CH₂)_(m)C(O)—C₆₋₂₀        aryl, (CH₂)_(m)C(O)-5-20 membered heteroaryl,        S(O)₂(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl, and S(O)₂(CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered        heteroaryl, wherein each of the C₆₋₂₀ aryl and 5-20 membered        heteroaryl is optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups;    -   m is 0, 1, or 2;    -   Q, at each occurrence, independently is selected from an        optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted        C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, an        optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀ cycloalkyl, an optionally        substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl,        an optionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, an        optionally substituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl, F, Cl, Br, I,        CN, CF₃, OCF₃, NO₂, OR⁸, SR⁸, S⁺R⁸ ₂, S(O)R⁸, S(O)₂R⁸, S(O)₂OH,        S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NR⁸S(O)₂R⁹, C(O)R⁸, C(O)OR⁸, C(O)NR⁸ ⁹, OC(O)R⁸,        NR⁸R⁹, NR⁸C(O)R⁹, NR⁸C(O)OR⁹, NR⁸C(O)NR⁸R⁹, and N⁺R⁸ ₃;    -   R¹ is selected from H, an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an        optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted        C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, and an amino acid side chain;    -   R² and R³ each independently is selected from H, an optionally        substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀        cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, an        optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted        3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, an optionally substituted 5-20        membered heteroaryl, C(O)R⁶, C(O)OR⁶, C(O)NR⁶R⁷, S(O)₂R⁶, and        S(O)₂NR⁶R⁷;    -   alternatively, R² and R³ together with the nitrogen atom to        which they are bound form a 3-20 membered heterocycle optionally        containing 1-4 ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, N        or S and optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups;    -   R⁴ is OR⁶ or NR⁶R⁷;    -   R⁵ is H or an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl;    -   R⁶ and R⁷ each independently is selected from H, an optionally        substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀        cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, an        optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, an optionally substituted        C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, an        optionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, an        optionally substituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl, C(O)R⁸,        C(O)OR⁸, and C(O)NR⁸R⁹;    -   alternatively, R⁶ and R⁷ together with the nitrogen atom to        which they are bound form a 3-20 membered heterocycle optionally        containing 1-4 ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, N        or S and optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups; and    -   R⁸ and R⁹ each independently is selected from H, an optionally        substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀        cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, an        optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, an optionally substituted        C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, an        optionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, and an        optionally substituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl;    -   provided that the compound is not        1-(2-aminopropanoyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid.

In some embodiments k is 0; in others, k is 1.

In some embodiments, Y′ is NR²R³ and R² is H (i.e., Y′ is NHR³) and R³is selected from H (i.e., Y′ is NH₂), an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C(O)R⁶, or C(O)OR⁶. In some embodiments, Y′ is NR²R³, R² is H, R³is C(O)R⁶ and R⁶ is H (i.e., R³ is C(O)H) or an optionally substitutedC₁₋₁₀ alkyl (e.g., R³ is C(O)CH₃). In other embodiments, Y′ is NR²R³;and R² and R³ each independently is an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀alkyl. In still other embodiments, Y′ is OR² and R² is H (i.e., Y is OH)or an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl.

In certain embodiments, R¹ is H. In other embodiments, R¹ is an aminoacid side chain and the amino acid is selected from valine, leucine,isoleucine, methionine, alanine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan,serine, threonine, cysteine, lysine, argenine, histidine, aspartic acid,glutamic acid, asparagine and glutamine, provided that the compound isnot 1-(2-aminopropanoyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid.

Other embodiments of the present teachings include compounds wherein R⁴is OR⁶ (e.g., OH). Alternatively, R⁴ can be NR⁶R⁷, wherein R⁶ is H andR⁷ is selected from H (i.e., R⁴ is NH₂), an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀ cycloalkyl, an optionallysubstituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted 3-20 memberedcycloheteroalkyl, or an optionally substituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl.In still other alternatives, R⁶ and R⁷ together with the nitrogen atomto which they are bound form a 3-20 membered heterocycle selected frompiperidine, piperazine, morpholine, thiomorpholine, pyrrolidine,oxazolidine, thiazolidine, and imidazolidine, each of which optionallycan be substituted with 1-5 Q groups.

In some embodiments, Z′ is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionallysubstituted with 1-5 Q groups and m is 0 (i.e., Z is C(O)—C₆₋₂₀ aryloptionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups). Exemplary compounds of theseembodiments include those wherein Z′ is benzoyl. In other examples, Z isbenzoyl substituted with 1-5 Q groups, such as, for example, F, Cl, Br,I, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, CF₃, OCF₃, NO₂, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, OH, NH₂, NH(C₁₋₁₀ alkyl),N(C₁₋₁₀ alkyl)₂, and NHC(O)C₁₋₁₀ alkyl.

In some embodiments, when Y′ is NH₂, k is 0, R⁴ is OH, R⁵ is H, and Z′is benzoyl, then R¹ is not methyl. In other embodiments, when Y′ is NH₂,k is 0, R¹ is methyl, R⁴ is OH, R⁵ is H, and Z′ is benzoyl, then thebenzoyl is substituted with at least one Q group. In still otherembodiments, when Y′ is NH₂, k is 0, R¹ is methyl, R⁵ is H, and Z isbenzoyl, then R⁴ is not OH. In other embodiments, when Y′ is NH₂, R¹ ismethyl, R⁴ is OH, R⁵ is H, and Z′ is benzoyl, then k is 1 or 2. In yetother embodiments, when k is 0, R¹ is methyl, R⁴ is OH, R⁵ is H, and Z′is benzoyl, then Y′ is not NH₂.

Compounds according to the present teachings include those having thefollowing structures:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof.

Examples of suitable prodrugs of any of the compounds of the presentteachings include, but are not limited to, oxazolidinone orimidazolidinone prodrugs.

In another aspect, the present teachings provide pharmaceuticalcompositions comprising a compound according to the present teachingsand a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In still another aspect, the present teachings provide methods ofpreventing or treating a pathological condition comprising administeringto a subject in need thereof (e.g., a human being) a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition accordingto the present teachings. Examples of pathological conditions that canbe treated or prevented using compounds of the present teachingsinclude, but are not limited to, cardiovascular disease (e.g., atrialfibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia or ventricularfibrillation); osteoporosis; inflammation of airway epithelium;disorders of alveolar tissue; bladder incontinence; impaired hearing,such as due to diseases of the cochlea; endothelial lesions; diabetesincluding diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy; CNS relatedconditions; ischemia (e.g. ischemia of the central nervous system,spinal cord, brain or brain stem); dental tissue disorders includingperiodontal disease; kidney diseases; haematologic manifestations (e.g.,anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia) especiallyfollowing treatment with cytostatic compounds or irradiation therapy;wounds such as superficial wounds and deep wounds resulting from trauma;erectile dysfunction; urinary bladder incontinence; neuropathic pain;subchronic and chronic inflammation; cancer; failure of bone marrow andstem cell transplantation; conditions which arise during transplantationof cells and tissues or during medical procedures such as surgery;conditions caused by an excess of reactive oxygen species, free radicalsor nitric oxide; diseases or disorders of pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsiaand preterm labor); and stroke.

The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions according to the presentteachings can be formulated for parenteral or oral administration.

A. Definitions

Unless specified otherwise, the following definitions are provided forspecific terms, which are used in the following written description.

Throughout the description and claims the three-letter code for naturalamino acids is used as well as generally accepted three letter codes forother α-amino acids, such as sarcosine (Sar). Where the L or D form hasnot been specified, it is to be understood that the amino acid inquestion can be either the L or D form. A mixture of equimolar amountsof D and L compounds is termed racemic and is designated by the prefixDL, e.g., DL-leucine. It can alternatively be designated by the prefixrac- (e.g. rac-leucine) or by the prefix [+/−]. The present teachingsinclude all possible stereoisomers of the compounds of Formulae I, IIand III as well as of the specific compounds shown herein.

The term “peptide” herein designates a chain of two or more moleculesthat are linked by means of a peptide bond. Peptides can contain one ormore naturally occurring amino acids, one or more unnatural amino acids,one or more molecules that are not amino acids but are capable offorming peptide bonds, or mixtures thereof.

The term “amino acid” refers to a molecule having the general formulaNHR—CHR′—COOH (wherein R is H and R′ is an amino acid side chain, or Rand R′ together with the carbon and nitrogen to which they are bondedform a ring, e.g., proline) which is capable of forming a peptide bondwith one or more other molecules having the same general formula. Theterm embraces both L and D amino acids.

A “naturally occurring amino acid” refers to one of the following 20amino acids: Ala (A), Cys (C), Ser (S), Thr (T), Asp (D), Glu (E), Asn(N), Gln (Q), His (H), Arg (R), Lys (K), Ile (I), Leu (L), Met (M), Val(V), Phe (F), Tyr (Y), Trp (W), Gly (G), and Pro (P). Normally these areL-amino acids, but the present teachings also allow for the use ofD-amino acids.

As used herein, the term “lysine mimetic” refers to an unnatural aminoacid comprising a C₅₋₆ aliphatic or aromatic ring and at least two basicamine functionalities (i.e., at least one basic amine functionality inaddition to the N-terminal amine). In some cases, the lysine mimetic hasthe formula NHR—CHR′—COOH, wherein R and R′ together with the carbon andnitrogen to which they are bonded form a 5-6 membered ring, wherein thering either (a) contains at least one additional ring nitrogen, e.g.,imidazolidine-2-carboxylic acid (Ica), or (b) bears an aminesubstituent, e.g., amino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (4Amp) oramino-piperidine-2-carboxylic acid (4Ampi). In other cases, the lysinemimetic has the formula NHR—CHR′—COOH wherein R is H and R′ is a sidechain comprising a C₅₋₆ aliphatic or aromatic ring, wherein (a) the ringeither contains at least one ring nitrogen or bears an aminesubstituent, and (b) the ring is separated from the amino acid backbonemethylene by 1 or 2 atoms. A non-limiting example of such a lysinemimetic is amino-phenylalanine (4AmF), wherein 1 atom separates the ringfrom the backbone. Lysine mimetics can also have the formulaNHR—CR′R″—COOH wherein R is H and R′ and R″ together form a C₅₋₆aliphatic or aromatic ring, wherein the ring either contains at leastone ring nitrogen or bears an amine substituent. One non-limitingexample of this type of lysine mimetic is4-amino-piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (Pip). Also included within thedefinition of “lysine mimetic” are unnatural β- and γ-amino acidscomprising a C₅₋₆ aliphatic or aromatic ring and at least two basicamine functionalities as described above, such as 3,5-diamino-benzoicacid (Damba). Other lysine mimetics are 4-aminoproline analogs whereinthe proline ring nitrogen is not present (e.g.,3-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid) or is located in another position inthe proline ring (e.g., 3-aminopyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid or3-aminopyrrolidine-1-carboxamide). In any of the lysine mimetics, thebasic amine functionalities can be a primary amino group (e.g. 4 AmF,Damba, 4Ampi, and 4Amp) or a secondary amino group (e.g. Pip and Ica).Examples of lysine mimetics having aliphatic cyclic amine groups andaryl amines include Damba, 4Amp, 4Ampi, Ica, Pip, and 4AmF, having thefollowing structures:

The term “halogen” refers to F, Cl, Br, and I.

The term “alkyl,” as used herein either alone or as part of anothergroup, refers to a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbonchain, e.g., having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, that can bestraight-chain or branched. Examples of alkyl groups include methyl(Me), ethyl (Et), propyl (e.g., n-propyl and isopropyl), butyl (e.g.,n-butyl, isobutyl, s-butyl, t-butyl), pentyl groups (e.g., n-pentyl,isopentyl, neopentyl) and the like. Specifically included within thedefinition of “alkyl” are those aliphatic hydrocarbon chains that areoptionally substituted.

The term “alkenyl,” as used herein either alone or as part of anothergroup, refers to a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbonchain, e.g., having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, that can bestraight-chain or branched and contains one or more carbon-carbon doublebonds. The one or more double bonds can be internal (such as in2-butene) or terminal (such as in 1-butene). Preferably alkenyl moietiescontain one or two double bonds. The term “alkenyl” includes both E andZ isomers of each of the one or more double bonds. Specifically includedwithin the definition of “alkenyl” are those aliphatic hydrocarbonchains that are optionally substituted. Examples of alkenyl moietiesinclude vinyl, allyl, and butenyl (e.g., 1-butene and 2-butene).

The term “alkynyl,” as used herein either alone or as part of anothergroup, refers to a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbonchain, e.g., having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, that can bestraight-chain or branched and contains one or more triple carbon-carbonbonds. The one or more triple carbon-carbon bonds can be internal (suchas in 2-butyne) or terminal (such as in 1-butyne). Specifically includedwithin the definition of “alkynyl” are those aliphatic hydrocarbonchains that are optionally substituted. Examples of alkynyl groupsinclude ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, and the like.

As used herein either alone or as part of another group, the term“cycloalkyl” refers to substituted or unsubstituted non-aromaticcarbocyclic groups, e.g., having from 3 to 20 ring carbon atoms andoptionally containing one or more (e.g., 1, 2 or 3) double or triplebonds, including cyclized alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl groups. Cycloalkylgroups can be monocyclic (e.g., cyclohexyl) or poly-cyclic (e.g. fused,bridged, or spiro ring systems), wherein the carbon atoms are locatedinside or outside of the ring system. Any suitable ring position of thecycloalkyl moiety can be covalently linked to the defined chemicalstructure. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl,cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,cyclohexylmethyl, cyclohexylethyl, cycloheptyl, cyclopentenyl,cyclohexenyl, cyclohexadienyl, cycloheptatrienyl, norbornyl, norpinyl,norcarnyl, adamantyl, spiro[4.5]decanyl groups, homologs, isomers, andthe like. Also included in the definition of cycloalkyl groups aremoieties that have one or more aromatic rings fused (i.e., having a bondin common with) to the cycloalkyl ring, for example, benzo derivativesof cyclopentane (indanyl), cyclohexane (tetrahydronaphthyl), and thelike. Specifically included within the definition of “cycloalkyl” arethose carbocycles that are optionally substituted.

The term “aryl,” as used herein either alone or as part of anothergroup, refers to substituted or unsubstituted aromatic monocyclic orpolycyclic hydrocarbons such as, for example, phenyl, naphthyl,anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, and the like. In some embodiments, arylgroups have from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms. Any suitable ring positionof the aryl moiety can be covalently linked to the defined chemicalstructure (e.g., 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, etc.). Specifically includedwithin the definition of “aryl” are those aromatic hydrocarbons that areoptionally substituted.

The term “aralkyl” refers to an aryl moiety, as defined herein, bondedto an alkyl moiety, as defined herein. Aralkyl groups are covalentlylinked to the defined chemical structure through their alkyl groups.Aralkyl groups optionally can be substituted on the aryl moiety, thealkyl moiety, or both.

As used herein either alone or as part of another group,“cycloheteroalkyl” refers to a substituted or unsubstituted non-aromaticcycloalkyl group, e.g., having from 3 to 20 ring atoms, that contains1-4 ring heteroatoms independently selected from oxygen (O), nitrogen(N) and sulfur (S), and optionally contains one or more (e.g., 1, 2 or3) double or triple bonds. The cycloheteroalkyl group can be attached tothe defined chemical structure at any heteroatom or carbon atom thatresults in a stable structure. One or more N or S atoms in acycloheteroalkyl ring can be oxidized (e.g., N-hydroxypiperidine,morpholine N-oxide, thiomorpholine S-oxide, thiomorpholine S,S-dioxide).Examples of cycloheteroalkyl groups include morpholine, thiomorpholine,pyran, imidazolidine, imidazoline, oxazolidine, pyrazolidine,pyrazoline, pyrrolidine, pyrroline, tetrahydrofuran,tetrahydrothiophene, piperidine, piperazine, and the like. Also includedin the definition of cycloheteroalkyl are moieties that have one or morearomatic rings fused (i.e., have a bond in common with) to thecycloheteroalkyl ring, for example, benzimidazoline, chromane, chromene,indolinetetrahydroquinoline, and the like. Cycloheteroalkyl groups canalso contain one or more oxo groups, such as phthalimide, piperidone,oxazolidinone, pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, pyridin-2(1H)-one, and thelike. Specifically included within the definition of “cycloheteroalkyl”are those ring systems that are optionally substituted on any heteroatomand/or carbon atom that results in a stable structure.

As used herein either alone or as part of another group, “heteroaryl”refers to monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic ring systems having from 5to 20 ring atoms and containing 1-4 ring heteroatoms independentlyselected from O, N and S. Generally, heteroaryl rings do not containO—O, S—S, or S—O bonds. Heteroaryl groups include monocyclic heteroarylrings fused to a phenyl ring. The heteroaryl group can be attached tothe defined chemical structure at any heteroatom or carbon atom thatresults in a stable structure. One or more N or S atoms in a heteroarylring can be oxidized (e.g., N-hydroxypyridine, pyridine N-oxide,thiophene S-oxide, thiophene S,S-dioxide). Examples of heteroaryl groupsinclude, for example, pyrrole, furan, thiophene, pyridine, pyrimidine,pyridazine, pyrazine, triazole, pyrazole, imidazole, isothiazole,thiazole, thiadiazole, isoxazole, oxazole, oxadiazole, indole,isoindole, benzofuran, benzothiophene, quinoline, 2-methylquinoline,isoquinoline, quinoxaline, quinazoline, benzotriazole, benztetrazole,indazole, benzimidazole, benzothiazole, benzisothiazole, benzisoxazole,benzoxadiazole, benzoxazole, cinnoline, 1H-indazole, 2H-indazole,indolizine, isobenzofuran, naphthyridine, phthalazine, pteridine,purine, oxazolopyridine, thiazolopyridine, imidazopyridine,furopyridine, thienopyridine, pyridopyrimidine, pyridopyrazine,pyridopyridazine, thienothiazole, thienoxazole, and thienoimidazole.Specifically included within the definition of “heteroaryl” are thosearomatic ring systems that are optionally substituted on any heteroatomand/or carbon atom that results in a stable structure.

The term “heterocycle” means a heteroaryl or cycloheteroalkyl as definedherein.

As used herein, “carboxylic acid bioisostere” means a substituent orgroup that has chemical or physical properties similar to that of acarboxylic acid moiety and that produces broadly similar biologicalproperties to that of a carboxylic acid moiety. See, generally, R. B.Silverman, The Organic Chemistry of Drug Design and Drug Action(Academic Press, 1992). Examples of carboxylic acid bioisosteresinclude, but are not limited to, amides, sulfonamides, sulfonic acids,phosphonamidic acids, alkyl phosphonates, N-cyanoacetamides,3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one, imidazoles, oxazoles, thiazoles, pyrazoles,triazoles, oxadiazoles, thiadiazoles, or tetrazoles, each of whichoptionally can be substituted (e.g., by C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, OH, etc.).

As used herein, “amide bioisostere” means a substituent or group thathas chemical or physical properties similar to that of an amide moietyand that produces broadly similar biological properties to that of anamide moiety. See, generally, R. B. Silverman, The Organic Chemistry ofDrug Design and Drug Action (Academic Press, 1992). Examples of amidebioisosteres include, but are not limited to, carboxylic acids,sulfonamides, sulfonic acids, phosphonamidic acids, alkyl phosphonates,N-cyanoacetamides, 3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one, imidazoles, oxazoles,thiazoles, pyrazoles, triazoles, oxadiazoles, thiadiazoles, ortetrazoles, any of which optionally can be substituted (e.g., by C₁₋₁₀alkyl, OH, etc.).

The phrase “hydrophobic group” refers to an optionally substitutedaromatic carbon ring, preferably a 6- to 12-membered aromatic carbonring. The hydrophobic group can be optionally substituted as discussedbelow. Illustrative hydrophobic groups include benzyl, phenyl, andnapthyl.

The term “optionally substituted” as used herein means one or morehydrogen atoms (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 hydrogen atoms) of the groupcan each be replaced with a substituent atom or group commonly used inpharmaceutical chemistry. Each substituent can be the same or different.Examples of suitable substituents include, but are not limited to,alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, cycloheteroalkyl,heteroaryl, OR⁶ (e.g., hydroxyl, alkoxy (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, andpropoxy), aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, ether, ester, carbamate,etc.), hydroxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxyalkoxy, perhaloalkyl,perfluoroalkyl (e.g., CF₃, CF₂CF₃), perfluoroalkoxy (e.g., OCF₃,OCF₂CF₃), alkoxyalkyl, SR⁶ (e.g., thiol, alkylthio, arylthio,heteroarylthio, aralkylthio, etc.), S⁺R⁶ ₂, S(O)R⁶, SO₂R⁶, NR⁶R⁷ (e.g.,primary amine (i.e., NH₂), secondary amine, tertiary amine, amide,carbamate, urea, etc.), hydrazide, halide, nitrile, nitro, sulfide,sulfoxide, sulfone, sulfonamide, thiol, carboxy, aldehyde, keto,carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imine, and imide, including seleno andthio derivatives thereof, wherein each of the substituents can beoptionally further substituted. Preferably, 1-3 optional substituentscan be present, wherein the substituents are Q groups as defined herein.In embodiments in which a functional group with an aromatic carbon ringis substituted, such substitutions will typically number less than about10 substitutions, more preferably about 1 to 5, with about 1 or 2substitutions being preferred.

The carbon numbers used in the definitions herein (e.g., C₁₋₁₀ alkyl,C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, C₆₋₂₀ aryl, etc.) refer to the carbonbackbone and carbon branching, but do not include carbon atoms ofsubstituents.

At various places in the present specification substituents of compoundsof the present teachings are disclosed in groups or in ranges. It isspecifically intended that the present teachings include each and everyindividual subcombination of the members of such groups and ranges. Forexample, the term “C₁₋₆ alkyl” is specifically intended to individuallydisclose C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, C_(1-C) ₆, C₁-C₅, C₁-C₄, C₁-C₃, C₁-C₂,C₂-C₆, C₂-C₅, C₂-C₄, C₂-C₃, C₃-C₆, C₃-C₅, C₃-C₄, C₄-C₆, C₄-C₅, and C₅-C₆alkyl. Similarly, the term “C₁₋₁₀ alkyl” is specifically intended toindividually disclose C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁-C₁₀,C₁-C₉, C₁-C₈, C₁-C₇, C₁-C₆, C₁-C₅, C₁-C₄, C₁-C₃, C₁-C₂, C₂-C₁₀, C₂-C₉,C₂-C₈, C₂-C₇, C₂-C₆, C₂-C₅, C₂-C₄, C₂-C₃, C₃-C₁₀, C₃-C₉, C₃-C₈, C₅-C8,C₅-C₇, C₅-C₆, C₆-C₁₀, C₆-C₉, C₆-C₈, C₆-C₇, C₇-C₁₀, C₇-C₉, C₇-C₈, C₈-C₁₀,C₈-C₉, and C₉-C₁₀ alkyl.

The compounds of the present teachings can contain an asymmetric atom(also referred to as a chiral center), and some of the compounds cancontain one or more asymmetric atoms or centers, which can thus giverise to optical isomers (enantiomers) and diastereomers. The presentteachings include such enantiomers and diastereomers, as well as theracemic and resolved, enantiomerically pure R and S stereoisomers, aswell as other mixtures of the R and S stereoisomers and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof. Optical isomers can be obtained in pure formby standard procedures known to those skilled in the art, which include,but are not limited to, diastereomeric salt formation, kineticresolution, and asymmetric synthesis. The present teachings alsoencompass cis and trans isomers of compounds containing alkenyl moieties(e.g., alkenes and imines). It is also understood that the presentteachings encompass all possible regioisomers, and mixtures thereof,which can be obtained in pure form by standard separation proceduresknown to those skilled in the art, and include, but are not limited to,column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and high-performanceliquid chromatography.

The terms “intercellular communication modulator”, “gap junctionfacilitator”, “compound that facilitates gap junction communication” and“gap junction opener”, etc., all refer to a compound that facilitates,or maintains, or normalizes, gap junction intercellular communication(GJIC), irrespective of the particular mechanism behind this action.More specifically, the term “gap junction opener” can refer to asubstance that normalizes (i.e., increases) the exchange of moleculesthat are able to pass through gap junctions between extracellular andintracellular spaces and/or which can normalize or increase GJIC.

The term “agonist” “refers to an compound that can interact with atissue, cell or cell fraction which is the target of an AAP, AAP10, orHP5 compound (or functional analogue thereof, to cause substantially thesame physiological responses in the tissue, cell or cell fraction as theAAP, AAP10, or HP5 compound (or functional analogue thereof. In oneaspect, the physiological response is one or more of contraction,relaxation, secretion, enzyme activation, etc. Preferably, the compoundbinds to the tissue, cell or cell fraction. In one aspect, the compoundbinds to a receptor on the tissue, cell, or cell fraction, which bindsto AAP, AAP10, or HP5 (or a functional analogue thereof.

The term “antagonist” refers to a compound which inhibits or antagonizesone or more physiological responses observed in a tissue, cell or cellfraction after contacting the tissue, cell, or cell fraction with AAP,AAP10, or HP5 compound (or functional analogue thereof. In one aspect,the physiological response is one or more of contraction, relaxation,secretion, enzyme activation, etc. Preferably, the compound binds to thetissue, cell or cell fraction. In one aspect, the compound binds to areceptor on the tissue, cell, or cell fraction which binds to AAP,AAP10, or HP5 (or functional analogue thereof and/or which inhibitsbinding of one or more of AAP, AAP10, or HP5 (or functional analoguethereof to the receptor.

As used herein, “normalize” refers to a change in a physiologicalresponse such that the response becomes insignificantly different fromone observed in a normal patient. Thus, normalization can involve anincrease or decrease in the response depending on the pathologyinvolved.

B. Exemplary Compounds

Exemplary compounds according to the present teachings are listed below.In some cases, alternate names for the compounds are included inparentheses after the chemical name.

-   Compound 1:    (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-nitro-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Gly-(2S,4R)-4Amp(4-Nitrobenzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 2:    (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid ((2S,4R)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid, H-Gly-(2S, 4R)-4Amp(Benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 3:    (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-methyl-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Gly-(2S,4R)-4Amp(4-methylbenzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 4:    (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-methoxy-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Gly-(2S,4R)-4Amp(4-methoxybenzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 5:    (2S,4R)1-(3-Amino-propionyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Ala-(2S,4R)-4Amp(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 6:    (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-4-carboxy-butyryl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Glu-(2S,4R)-4Amp(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 7:    (2S,4R)1-[2-Amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-propionyl]-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Trp-(2S,4R)-4Amp(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 8:    (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-4-methyl-pentanoyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Leu-(2S,4R)-4Amp(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 9:    (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-3-phenyl-propionyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Phe-(2S,4R)-4Amp(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 10:    (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-hydroxy-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Gly-(2S,4R)-4Amp(4-hydroxybenzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 11:    (2S,4S)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-methoxy-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Gly-(2S,4S)-4Amp(4-methoxybenzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 12:    (2S,4S)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-methyl-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Gly-(2S,4S)-4Amp(4-methylbenzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 13:    (2S,4S)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-nitro-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Gly-(2S,4S)-4Amp(4-nitrobenzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 14:    (2S,4S)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Gly-(2S,4S)-4Amp(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 15: (2S,4S)    1-(2-Amino-4-carboxy-butyryl)-4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Glu-(2S,4S)-4Ampi(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 16: (2S,4S)    1-(2-Amino-4-methyl-pentanoyl)-4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Leu-(2S,4S)-4Ampi(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 17: (2S,4S)    4-Benzoylamino-1-(2,6-diamino-hexanoyl)-piperidine-2-carboxylic acid    (H-Lys-(2S,4S)-4Ampi(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 18: (2S,4S)    1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carboxylic acid    (H-Gly-(2S,4S)-4Ampi(Benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 19: (2S,4S)    1-(3-Amino-propionyl)-4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carboxylic acid    (H-Ala-(2S,4S)-4Ampi(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 20: (2S,4S)    1-[2-Amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-propionyl]-4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Trp-(2S,4S)-4Ampi(Benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 21: (2S,4S)    1-(2-Amino-3-phenyl-propionyl)-4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Phe-(2S,4S)-4Ampi(Benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 22:    1-(2-Amino-4-carboxy-butyroyl)-3-benzoyl-imidazolidine-2-carboxylic    acid (H-Glu-Ica(Benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 23:    4-(2-Amino-acetylamino)-1-benzoyl-piperidine-4-carboxylic acid    (H-Gly-Pip(Benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 24:    3-(2-Amino-acetylamino)-5-(4-methyl-benzoylamino)-benzoic acid    (H-Gly-Damba(4-methylbenzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 25:    3-(2-Amino-3-carbamoyl-propionylamino)-5-benzoylamino-benzoic acid    (H-Asn-Damba(Benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 26: 3-(2-Amino-acetylamino)-5-benzoylamino-benzoic acid    (H-Gly-Damba(Benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 27: (2S,4R)    3-[(4-Benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]-propionic acid    ((2S,4R)H-4Amp(benzoyl)-betaAla-OH)-   Compound 28: (2S,4R)    {[4-(4-Nitro-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}-acetic    acid ((2S,4R)H-4Amp(4-Nitrobenzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 29: (2S,4R)    {[4-(4-Methoxy-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}-acetic    acid ((2S,4R)H-4Amp(4-Methoxybenzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 30: (2S,4R)    2-{[4-(4-Methyl-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}-acetic    acid ((2S,4R)H-4Amp(Toluoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 31: (2S,4R)    2-[(4-Benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]-3-phenyl-propionic    acid ((2S,4R)H-4Amp(benzoyl)-Phe-OH)-   Compound 32: (2S,4R)    2-[(4-Benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]-4-methyl-pentanoic    acid ((2S,4R)H-4Amp(benzoyl)-Leu-OH)-   Compound 33: (2S,4R) 4-Benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid    (5-amino-1-formyl-pentyl)amide ((2S,4R)H-4Amp(benzoyl)-Lys-OH)-   Compound 34: (2S,4R)    2-[(4-Benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]-succinamic acid    ((2S,4R)H-4Amp(benzoyl)-Asn-OH)-   Compound 35: (2S,4S)    [(4-Benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic acid    ((2S,4S)H-4Amp(Benzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 36: (2S,4S)    [(4-(4-Methoxy-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic    acid ((2S,4S)H-4Amp(4-Methoxybenzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 37: (2S,4S)    [(4-(4-Nitro-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic    acid ((2S,4S)H-4Amp(4-Nitrobenzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 38: (2S,4S)    [(4-(4-Methyl-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic    acid ((2S,4S)H-4Amp(Toluoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 39:    [2-Amino-3-(4-benzoylamino-phenyl)-propionylamino]-acetic acid    (H-4AmF(Benzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 40:    [2-Amino-3-(4-(4-Methoxy-benzoylamino-phenyl)-propionylamino]-acetic    acid (H-4AmF(4-Methoxybenzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 41:    [2-Amino-3-(4-(4-Nitro-benzoylamino-phenyl)-propionylamino]-acetic    acid (H-4AmF(4-Nitrobenzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 42:    [2-Amino-3-(4-(4-Methyl-benzoylamino-phenyl)-propionylamino]-acetic    acid (H-4AmF(Toluoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 43: [(1-Benzoyl-imidazolidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]acetic acid    (H-Ica(Benzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 44:    {[1-(4-Nitro-benzoyl]-imidazolidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}acetic acid    (H-Ica(4-Nitrobenzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 45: (2S,4S)    {[4-Benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}-acetic acid    ((2S,4S)H-4Ampi(Benzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 46: (2S,4S)    {[4-Benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}-propionic acid    ((2S,4S)H-4Ampi(benzoyl)-betaAla-OH)-   Compound 47:    [(4-Amino-1-benzoyl-piperidine-4-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic acid    (H-Pip(Benzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 48: (3-Amino-5-benzoylamino-benzoylamino)-acetic acid    (H-Damba(Benzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 49:    (3-Amino-5-(4-Methoxy-benzoylamino)-benzoylamino)-acetic acid    (H-Damba(4-Methoxybenzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 50: (3-Amino-5-(4-Methyl-benzoylamino)-benzoylamino)-acetic    acid (H-Damba(Toluoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 51: (3,5-Diamino-benzoylamino)-acetic acid (H-Damba-Gly-OH)-   Compound 52: (2S,4R)    4-Benzoylamino-1-(2-hydroxy-acetyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid    (HAA-(2S,4R)4-Amp(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 53:    4-Benzoylamino-1-(2-hydroxy-acetylamino)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid    (HAA-Pip(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 54: 3-Benzoylamino-5-(2-hydroxy-acetylamino)-benzoic acid    (HAA-Damba(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 55: (2S,4S)    4-Benzoylamino-1-(2-hydroxy-acetyl)-piperidine-2-carboxylic acid    (HAA-(2S,4S)4-Ampi(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 56:    1-Benzoyl-3-(2-hydroxy-acetyl)-imidazolidine-2-carboxylic acid amide    (HAA-Ica(benzoyl)-NH₂)-   Compound 57:    1-Benzoyl-3-(2-hydroxy-acetyl)-imidazolidine-2-carboxylic acid    (HAA-Ica(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 58:    3-(4-Benzoylamino-phenyl)-2-(2-hydroxy-acetylamino)-propionic acid    (HAA-4AmF(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 59:    N-{4-[2-Carbamoyl-2-(2-hydroxy-acetylamino)-ethyl]-phenyl}-benzamide    (HAA-4AmF(benzoyl)-NH₂)-   Compound 60: (2S,4R)    4-Benzoylamino-1-(2-mercapto-acetyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid    (THAA-(2S,4R)-4Amp(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 61: (2S,4S)    4-Benzoylamino-1-(2-mercapto-acetyl)-piperidine-2-carboxylic acid    (THAA-(2S,4S)-4Ampi(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 62: (2S,4S)    1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carboxylic acid    (H-Gly-(2S,4S)-4Ampi(benzoyl)-OH)-   Compound 63: (2S,4S)    [(4-Benzoylamino-piperidine-2-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic acid ((2S,4S)    H-4Ampi(benzoyl)-Gly-OH)-   Compound 64: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 65: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-methylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 66: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-ethylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 67: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-isopropylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 68: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-cyclopropylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 69: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)acetyl)    pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 70: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(pentan-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 71: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-cyclopentylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 72: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-isobutylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 73: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-cyclobutylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 74: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-tert-butylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 75: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 76: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-((R)-3-methylbutan-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 77: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-((R)-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 78: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-phenylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 79: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-((R)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 80: (2S,4R)    1-(2-acetamidoacetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 81: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(methylamino)acetyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 82: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 83: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)acetyl)    pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 84: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(dimethylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 85: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-formamidoacetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 86: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(1H-imidazole-2-carbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 87: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(1H-pyrazole-5-carbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 88: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(1H-imidazole-5-carbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 89: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(picolinamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 90: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(nicotinamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 91: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(isonicotinamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 92: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(pyrimidine-5-carboxamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 93: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(2-fluorobenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 94: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(3-fluorobenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 95: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(4-fluorobenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 96: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(2-methylbenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 97: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(3-methylbenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 98: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(4-methylbenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 99: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(4-methoxybenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 100: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(3-methoxybenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 101: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)4-(4-hydroxybenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 102: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(3-hydroxybenzamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 103: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(2-phenylacetamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 104: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(2-oxo-2-phenylethylamino)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 105: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(phenylamino)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 106: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(benzylamino)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 107: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(phenylsulfonamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid-   Compound 108: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 109: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 110: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(5-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 111: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(5-isopropyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 112: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(oxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 113: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(5-isopropyloxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 114: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(5-methyloxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 115: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(4-methyloxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 116: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 117: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(3-isopropyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 118: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 119: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 120: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 121: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(3-isopropyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 122: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 123: N-((3R,5S)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide-   Compound 124:    (2S,4R)4-benzamido-1-(2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-ylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 125: (2S,4R) 1-(2-(1    H-imidazol-2-ylamino)acetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 126: (2S,4R)    1-(2-(1H-pyrazol-5-ylamino)acetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 127: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(pyridin-2-ylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 128: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(pyrimidin-4-ylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 129: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(pyrimidin-2-ylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 130: (2S,4R)    1-(2-(1H-imidazol-4-ylamino)acetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 131: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(3-phenylureido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 132: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(3-methylureido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 133: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(3-isopropylureido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 134: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(methylsulfonamido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 135: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(phenylsulfonamido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 136: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(1-methylethylsulfonamido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 137: (2S,4R)    4-benzamido-1-(2-(ethylsulfonamido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 138: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(4-phenyloxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 139: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(5-phenyloxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 140: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(5-phenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 141: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(4-phenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic    acid-   Compound 142: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(furan-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 143: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(piperidin-4-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 144: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(oxazol-4-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 145: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(isoxazol-4-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 146: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(oxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 147: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-benzylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 148: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 149: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(pyridin-4-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 150: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-   Compound 151: (2S,4R)    1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(pyridin-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide

The present teachings also encompass isomers and/or enantiomers of thecompounds listed above (e.g., 2S4S, 2S4R, 2R4R, 2R4S, 3S5S, 3S5R, 3R5R,3R5S), as well as their salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugs.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the presentteachings having an acidic moiety can be formed using organic andinorganic bases. Suitable salts formed with bases include metal salts,such as alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts, for example sodium,potassium, or magnesium salts; ammonia salts and organic amine salts,such as those formed with morpholine, thiomorpholine, piperidine,pyrrolidine, a mono-, di- or tri-lower alkylamine (e.g.,ethyl-tert-butyl-, diethyl-, diisopropyl-, triethyl-, tributyl- ordimethylpropylamine), or a mono-, di- or trihydroxy lower alkylamine(e.g., mono-, di- or triethanolamine). Internal salts also can beformed. Similarly, when a compound of the present teachings contains abasic moiety, salts can be formed using organic and inorganic acids. Forexample, salts can be formed from the following acids: acetic,propionic, lactic, citric, tartaric, succinic, fumaric, maleic, malonic,mandelic, malic, phthalic, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, phosphoric,nitric, sulfuric, methanesulfonic, napthalenesulfonic, benzenesulfonic,toluenesulfonic, and camphorsulfonic as well as other knownpharmaceutically acceptable acids. Amino acid addition salts can also beformed with amino acids such as lysine, glycine, or phenylalanine.

The present teachings also include prodrugs of the compounds describedherein. As used herein, “prodrug” refers to a moiety that produces,generates or releases a compound of the present teachings whenadministered to a mammalian subject. Prodrugs can be prepared bymodifying functional groups present in the compounds in such a way thatthe modifications are cleaved, either by routine manipulation or invivo, from the parent compounds. Examples of prodrugs include compoundsof the present teachings as described herein that contain one or moremolecular moieties appended to a hydroxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, orcarboxyl group of the compound, and that when administered to amammalian subject, is cleaved in vivo to form the free hydroxyl, amino,sulfhydryl, or carboxyl group, respectively. Examples of prodrugsinclude, but are not limited to, acetate, formate and benzoatederivatives of alcohol and amine functional groups in the compounds ofthe present teachings. Examples of preferred prodrugs includeoxazolidinone or imidazolidinone prodrugs. Ester prodrugs are preferablyformed with lower alcohols, such as C₁₋₆ alcohols. Preparation and useof prodrugs is discussed in T. Higuchi and V. Stella, “Pro-drugs asNovel Delivery Systems,” Vol. 14 of the A.C.S. Symposium Series, and inBioreversible Carriers in Drug Design, ed. Edward B. Roche, AmericanPharmaceutical Association and Pergamon Press, 1987.

In a further aspect, the present teachings provide derivatives of thecompounds, and more particularly protected forms of the compounds. Byway of example, the compounds can be protected at their N- and/orC-termini, and/or at the amino acid side chain (in those compoundswherein R¹ is an amino acid side chain). Examples of protecting groupsinclude tBu, Boc, Fmoc, Fm, Benzyl, Dde and Z and also include thecompounds when coupled to a solid phase, e.g. when they have been madeby solid phase synthesis.

C. Pharmaceutical Compositions

The compounds of the present teachings can serve as medicaments in theirpure form or as pharmaceutical compositions, which can be administeredvia any acceptable method known in the art, either singly or incombination. Pharmaceutical compositions according to the presentteachings can comprise a compound of the present teachings in admixturewith one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, vehicleor excipient. Such compositions can be formulated to oral administration(including buccal cavity or sublingually) or by parenteraladministration (including intravenous (i.v.), subcutaneous (s.c.),intramuscular (i.m.), intraperitoneal (i.p.)) administration. Otheradministration routes include epidural, rectal, intranasal or dermaladministration or by pulmonary inhalation. Especially preferredformulations provide sustained release of the compounds of the presentteachings. The compositions are preferably in the form of solid orliquid formulations and methods for their preparation are generallydescribed in “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences”, 17th Ed., Alfonso R.Gennaro (Ed.), Mark Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., U.S.A., 1985.

Such compositions generally contain an effective amount of the one ormore active compounds of the present teachings, together with a suitablecarrier in order to provide the dosage in a form compatible with theroute of administration selected. Preferably, the carrier is in the formof a vehicle, a diluent, a buffering agent, a tonicity adjusting agent,a preservative and stabilizers. The excipients constituting the carriermust be compatible with the active pharmaceutical ingredient(s) and arepreferably capable of stabilizing the compounds without beingdeleterious to the subject being treated.

A form of repository or sustained-release formulation can be used sothat therapeutically effective amounts of the preparation are deliveredinto the bloodstream over many hours or days following administration ofthe compound or composition, e.g., by transdermal injection ordeposition. Formulations suitable for sustained release includebiodegradable polymers, such as L-lactic acid, D-lactic acid, DL-lacticacid, glycolide, glycolic acid, and isomers thereof. Similarly, thecarrier or diluent can include any sustained release material known inthe art, such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone ormixed with a wax.

Other sustained release formulations can include, but are not limitedto, formulations that include at least one of the compounds disclosedherein combined with liposomes, microspheres, emulsions or micelles andliquid stabilizers.

The doses the compounds and compositions of the present teachingsrequired for the desired therapeutic effects will depend upon on thepotency of the compound, the particular composition used and the routeof administration selected. The compounds will typically beadministrated in the range of about 0.001 g to 10 g per patient per day.For example, the compounds can be administered in the range from about 1mg to about 1000 mg per patient per day, from about 10 mg to about 100mg per patient per day, or about 50 mg per patient per day.

The most suitable dosing regimen can best be determined by a medicalpractitioner for each patient individually. The optimal dosing regimenwith the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions according to thepresent teachings depends on factors such as the particular disease ordisorder being treated, the desired effect, and the age, weight or bodymass index, and general physical conditions of the patient. Theadministration can be conducted in a single unit dosage form toalleviate acute symptoms or as a continuous therapy in the form ofmultiple doses over time. Alternatively, continuous infusion systems orslow release depot formulations can be employed. Two or more compoundsor pharmaceutical compositions according to the present teachings can beco-administered simultaneously or sequentially in any order. Inaddition, the compounds and compositions can be administered in asimilar manner for prophylactic purposes. Ultimately, the best dosingregimen will be decided by the attending physician for each patientindividually.

D. Therapeutic Uses

Compounds according to the present teachings can facilitate and/ormaintain the intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions. Inone aspect, the compounds according to the present teachings target thesame cells targeted by AAP, AAP10, HP5, and/or functional analoguesthereof, i.e. the compounds are able to modulate the function of thesecells by agonizing or antagonizing the function of AAP, AAP10, HP5,and/or functional analogues thereof. The scope of the present teachingsis, however, not limited to compounds having specific AAP agonistic orantagonistic properties. The present teachings also relate to thepreparation and use of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment ofpathologies which can be associated with impaired intercellular gapjunction communication and methods for using these compositions, e.g. asdisclosed in WO 02/077017 “New Medical Uses of IntercellularCommunication Facilitating Compounds”.

The present also provides methods of treating a subject having, orpreventing a subject at risk from developing, a condition associatedwith impaired GJIC (e.g., cardiac arrhythmia or osteoporosis) comprisingadministering a therapeutically effective amount of any of the compoundsof the present teachings. Individuals who can be treated using compoundsaccording to the present teachings include, but are not limited to,animals, preferably mammals, e.g., rodents (including mice, rats,hamsters, and lagomorphs, such as rabbits), dogs, pigs, goats (generallyany domestic animal), and primates. In one preferred aspect, the subjectis a human being.

Examples of conditions which can be treated or prevented using compoundsof the present teachings include, but are not limited to, cardiovasculardisease; osteoporosis; inflammation of airway epithelium; disorders ofalveolar tissue; bladder incontinence; impaired hearing (e.g. due todiseases of the cochlea); endothelial lesions; diabetes (Type I or TypeII) and diabetic complications (including diabetic retinopathy anddiabetic neuropathy); atherosclerosis; CNS related conditions; seizures;ischemia (e.g. ischemia of the central nervous system, spinal cord,brain or brain stem); dental tissue disorders (including periodontaldisease); kidney diseases; haematologic manifestations (e.g., anaemia,leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia, especially followingtreatment with cytostatic compounds or irradiation therapy); wounds(e.g., superficial wounds and deep wounds resulting trauma); bonefracture; erectile dysfunction; urinary bladder incontinence;neuropathic pain; subchronic and chronic inflammation; cancer; failureof bone marrow and stem cell transplantation; conditions which ariseduring transplantation of cells and tissues or during medical proceduressuch as surgery; conditions caused by an excess of reactive oxygenspecies and/or free radicals and/or nitric oxide; diseases or disordersof pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia and preterm labor); female infertility;and stroke. Compounds accroding to the present teachings can also beused to induce labor (e.g., by facilitating the effect of oxytocin onuterus contraction).

In one preferred aspect, the present teachings provide apharmacologically active antiarrhythmic compound for treatment orprevention of arrhythmias and thrombotic complications arising duringcardiovascular disorders, such as acute ischemic heart disease (e.g.,stable angina pectoris, unstable angina pectoris, acute myocardialinfarction), congestive heart failure (e.g., systolic, diastolic,high-output, low-output, right or left sided heart failure), congenitalheart diseases, cor pulmonale, cardiomyopathies, myocarditis,hypertensive heart disease, during coronary revascularization, and thelike. In specific embodiments, compounds according to the presentteachings can be used to treat and/or prevent bradyarrhythmias (e.g.,due to disease in sinus node, AV node, bundle of His, right or leftbundle branch), and tachyarrhythmias associated with reentry (e.g.,atrial premature complexes, AV junctional complexes, ventricularpremature complexes, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxymalsupraventricular tachycardia, sinus node reentrant tachycardia, AV nodalreentrant tachycardia, and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia).Furthermore, compounds according to the present teachings can be usefulin alleviation of a pathological condition wherein slowing of conductionvelocity is an important factor, e.g. ventricular tachycardia,ventricular fibrillation, and atrial fibrillation. Compounds accordingto the present teachings can be administered either alone or incombination with other antiarrhythmic compounds, such as class I agents(e.g., lidocaine), class II agents (e.g., metoprolol or propranolol),class III agents (e.g., amiodarone or sotalol) or class IV agents (e.g.,verapamil).

Compounds according to the present teachings can also be used to treator prevent one or more of reentry arrhythmia, ventricular reentry (e.g.,arising during acute myocardial infarction, chronic myocardialinfarction, stable angina pectoris and unstable angina pectoris),infectious or autonomic cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation,repolarization alternans, monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, T-wavealternans, bradyarrhythmias, reduced contractility of cardiac tissue,thrombosis, and the like.

Additional functions in which endothelial gap-junctional intercellularcommunication has been implicated are the migratory behavior ofendothelial cells after injury, angiogenesis, endothelial growth andsenescence and the coordination of vasomotor responses (Christ et al.Braz. J Med Biol. Res., 33, 423-429 (2000)). Therefore, compoundsaccording to the present teachings can be used to enhance conductedvascular responses and to improve blood supply during conditions withincreased metabolic demand (e.g., physical exercise, tachycardia), andduring ischemia.

Compounds according to the present teachings can be used to cytoprotecta tissue or organ of a mammal in need of such treatment. Cytoprotectingrefers to reducing, preventing or alleviating symptoms associated withunwanted cell swelling. Particular tissues and organs that will benefitfrom the method include those confined or otherwise impacted by afiborous capsule such as heart or kidney. Also included are tissuesassociated with bone such as brain, spinal cord and bone marrow.

Compounds of the present teachings can be used to prevent or treatischemic injury in the organs of a mammal in need of such treatment,including, for example, the heart, central nervous system, kidney,gastrointestinal tract, liver, lungs, and limbs.

In another aspect, the present teachings provide the use of thecompounds to treat or prevent haematologic manifestations followingtreatment with cytostatic compounds or irradiation therapy. Impairedhaematopoiesis recovery is observed in patients after 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) cytostatic treatment. This includes absence of recovery ofperipheral blood counts, including severe neutropenia, severe anemiawith reticulocytopenia and presence of abnormal peripheral erythrocytesand severe thrombocytopenia. In addition, 5-8-fold decreases of bonemarrow cellularity and hematopoietic progenitor content(granulomacrophagic colony-forming-units (CFU-GM), erythroid burstforming units (BFU-E), mixed colony forming units (CFU-mix), and overallcolony forming units (CFU-C) in bone marrow are observed. (See, e.g.,Montecino-Rodriguez et al., Blood, 96, 917-924, (2000); Presley et al.,Abstract #55, IGJC 2005, Whistler, Canada (2005)). Included in thisaspect of the present teachings are the treatment or prevention ofgeneral clinical situations commonly associated with iatrogenicpancytopenia.

Compounds according to the present teachings can be use to treat orprevent osteoporosis. It is known that that GJIC is important in boneformation. The efficacy of the compounds can be assessed, for example,by an increase in osteoblast activity in a standard osteoblast activityassay which measures either calcium wave formation and/or alkalinephosphatase activity of osteoblast cells in the presence of thecompounds. Alkaline phosphatase activity also can be used to provide ameasure of osteoblast activity using standard calorimetric assays.

Preferably, one or more of the compounds or pharmaceutical compositionsaccording to the present teachings are administered to an individual inneed thereof in a therapeutically effective amount. As used herein, “atherapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount that reducessymptoms of a given condition or pathology, and preferably whichnormalizes physiological responses in a subject with the condition orpathology. Reduction of symptoms or normalization of physiologicalresponses can be determined using methods routine in the art and canvary with a given condition or pathology. In one aspect, atherapeutically effective amount of one or more compounds orpharmaceutical compositions is an amount which restores a measurablephysiological parameter to substantially the same value (preferably towithin ±30%, more preferably to within ±20%, and still more preferably,to within ±10% of the value) of the parameter in a subject without thecondition or pathology.

The effective amount will be determined by the skilled person takinginto account such factors as potency of the drug, age and constitutionof the patient, body weight, pharmacokinetic profile of the drug, and ingeneral the drug will be prescribed for each patient or group ofpatients. However, the effective amount of the compound can be at leastabout 10 μg/kg body weight/day, such as at least about 100 μg/kg bodyweight/day, at least about 300 μg/body weight/day, and at least about1000 μg/kg body weight/day. On the other hand, the effective amount ofthe compound or dimer can be at most about 100 mg/kg body weight/day,such as at most about 50 mg/kg body weight/day and at most about 10mg/kg body weight/day. It is expected that the effective amount of thecompound will be about 100 μg/kg body weight/day, about 300 μg/kg bodyweight/day or about 1000 μg/kg body weight.

E. Biological Assays

Preferred compounds of the present teachings can show binding,preferably specific binding, to a tissue, cell, or cell fraction in whatis referred to herein as a “standard AAP site binding test”. The testcan detect and optionally quantify binding of a subject compound, e.g.,AAP, AAP10, HP5, or a functional analogue thereof. In one preferredembodiment, the compound can be a modulator of the function of such atissue, cell, or cell fraction (i.e. the compound agonizes orantagonizes the function of the antiarrhythmic peptide). In anotherembodiment, the compound can be a modulator of a receptor for theantiarrhythmic peptide (i.e. the compound is an agonist or antagonist ofthe receptor). Additionally preferred compounds according to the presentteachings can show good function as modulators of gap junctionalcommunication (e.g., as agonists or antagonists of AAP). In one aspect,the compounds can function as antiarrhythmic drugs.

Preferred agonist compounds of the present teachings can provide anintracellular conductance (Gj) that is substantially the same as, or isgreater than, the Gj of AAP in what is referred to herein as a “standardcardiomyocyte assay”. Preferred antagonist compounds can provide a Gjthat is less (e.g., at least about 10%, or at least about 20% less) thanthe Gj of AAP and/or block the ability of AAP to normalize the Gj of anischemic cell, i.e., to return the Gj to substantially the same valuesfound in non-ischemic cells. Additionally preferred compounds accordingto the present teachings can increase the time to an AV block in a mouseafter infusion of CaCl₂, in what is referred to herein as a “standardcalcium-induced arrhythmia assay.” Compounds of the present teachingscan prevent cardiac conduction slowing in the presence of various formof metabolic stress (e.g. ischemia, hypoglycaemia or acidosis) in whatis referred to herein as a “standard isolated atrial strip model ofmetabolic stress induced conduction slowing.” Compounds of the presentteachings can additionally show decreases in the incidence of reentryarrhythmias or in the size of an infarct zone observed in what isreferred to herein as a “standard ventricular reentry assay.”

In some embodiments, compounds of the present teachings can exhibit agood half-life according to what is referred to herein as an “in vitroplasma stability assay”. Compounds that show a good stability in theassay have in one embodiment a half-life of more than about 48 hours, ormore than 24 hours, or more than 12 hours, or more than 6 hours, or morethan 3 hours, or more than 1 hour, or more than 30 minutes, or more than20 minutes, or more than 15 minutes, or more than 10 minutes, or morethan 5 minutes, or more than 1 minute. In these embodiments, compoundsof the present teachings can show enhanced stability in the bloodstream.

Particular assays useful for identifying and optionally quantifying theactivity of compounds of the present teachings are further describedbelow.

1. Standard Plasma Stability Assays

The present teachings provide compounds that have enhanced stability invitro or in vivo. By way of example, compounds of the present teachingsthat comprise a peptide bond can be alkylated or otherwise modified tostabilize the compound against enzymatic degradation. Alternatively oradditionally, the compounds can comprise one or more D-amino acids. Itis possible to test whether a compound has enhanced stability in astandard stability assay.

In one example of an in vitro plasma stability assay, compounds areincubated in plasma or serum and samples are taken at regular intervalsfor analysis by HPLC or LC/MS/MS, to quantitate the amount of undegradedcompound. (See, e.g., WO 02/077017, the entire disclosure of which isincorporarted by reference herein). Appropriate conditions (column,solvent, gradient, and temperature) for such analyses are estimated toensure that the compound peak and the plasma peaks do not have the sameretention time. This is done by subsequent injections of a compound,plasma, and a co-injection with the compound and the plasma, followed byoptimization of LC method parameters until a satisfactory separation isobtained. A control plasma sample without the peptide compound, treatedin the same manner, also is taken and evaluated. The samples caninclude, but are not limited to, a blank, the compound at a suitableconcentration (e.g., 0.1 mg/mL), plasma without compound, one or moresamples for t=0, and one or more samples at each regular interval.Preferably, multiple samples are taken in parallel. The sampleconcentrations (peak height in mAU or ion counts) are plotted vs. timeand fitted to a function describing a mono exponential decay (e.g.,using a standard Excel package). Preferably, a compound according to thepresent teachings has a half-life of more than about 30 minutes (e.g.,more than about 1 hour, or more than about 3 hours, or more than about 6hours, or more than about 12 hours, or more than about 24 hours, or morethan about 48 hours) as determined using this assay.

Plasma stability can be examined in vivo using standard assays. Forexample, compounds can be administered to a mammal, such as a rat, bybolus injections in volumes of about 1 ml/kg for both i.v. and p.o.dosing. Preferably, compounds are tested in parallel with controlsamples such as buffer or an antiarrythmic peptide with a knownstability. Blood samples are collected at different time periods (e.g.,at B.D. 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes, where B.D. refersto before dose). Amounts of compounds in samples can be quantified usingmethods of routine in the art, such as LC/MS/MS. For example, theconcentrations of compounds in plasma samples can be calculated from anexternal standard curve covering concentration ranges of compound from1.00 to 1000 nM. The plasma concentrations versus time data can be usedfor pharmacokinetic modelling in WinNonLin 3.5 (Pharsight, Mountainview, Calif.) using non-compartmental analysis and the resultingparameters of AUC, Fpo, CIb, t1/2, Cmax and tmax can be determined as isknown in the art.

2. Standard Cardiomyocyte Assays

Compounds of the present teachings can be tested in a cardiomyocyteassay, which measures the gap junction function of cardiac cells afteradministration of the compounds. In one exmaple, cardiac cells areisolated from a mammal, such as a guinea pig hearts, by perfusion withcollagenase according to the Langendorf method. The cells are exposed tocompound and evaluated for GJIC by patch clamp using methods known inthe art. Intercellular conductance (Gj) is calculated using the formula:$\begin{matrix}{G_{j} = {\frac{\Delta\quad I_{p}}{\Delta\quad U_{j}} = \frac{I_{p,{pulse}} - I_{p,{rest}}}{U_{p} - U_{a}}}} & \left( {{Equation}\quad 1} \right)\end{matrix}$where Ip,pulse and Ip,rest represent the current in the passive cellduring the pulse and before the pulse respectively, and Up and Uarepresent the voltage of the passive and active cell. The change in Gjvalue upon compound administration is analyzed by comparing the relativechanges in Gj. For example, the relative Gj as a function of timebefore, and during, stimulation with compound (e.g., at about 10⁻⁸ M)can be determined. Preferably, the compound provides a Gj, which issubstantially the same as the Gj (±10%) of an antiarrhythmic peptidesuch as AAP, AAP10, HP5, and functional analogues thereof. In oneexample, the cell is an ischemic cell, and the compound provides a Gj,which is substantially the same as that of a non-ischemic cell (±20%,preferably, ±10%). Additional details concerning performingcardiomyocyte assays are provided in WO 02/077017.3. Standard Calcium-Induced Arrhythmia Assay

Peptides suitable for administration to cardiac cells can be identifiedin an in vivo model of calcium-induced arrhythmias according to themodel of Lynch et al. (1981) J Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. 3: 49-60. MaleCD-1 mice are anaesthetized with Ketamine (75 mg/kg) and medetomidine (1mg/kg) IP. An i.v. cannula is inserted into the tail vein. A lead II ECGsignal is recorded continuously by positioning stainless steel ECGelectrodes on the right forelimb and left forelimb. The ground electrodeis placed on the right hind limb. The signal is amplified and filteredusing Gould physiograph components and po-ne-mah data acquisitionsoftware. After a 90 sec equilibration period test compound is injectedinto the tail vein (over 30 seconds). Mice pre-treated with vehicle aretested as control animals. The injection volume is 100 μl/30 g mice inall experiments. Infusion of CaCl₂ (30 mg/mL, 0.1 mL/min/30 g mice, 100mg/kg/min) is started 3 min after IV administration of drug or vehicle(0.9% saline). The time lag to onset of cardiac conduction block isdetermined as the time from the start of CaCl₂ infusion until the firstarrhythmic event occured. The first conduction block is defined as thefirst RR-interval, larger than or equal to 3 times one RR-interval fromthe pre-treatment period. The first arrhythmic event occurring is eithera second degree AV-block (intermittent failure of the AV conductioncharacterized by a P-wave without the concomitant QRS complex) or asecond degree SA block (prolonged RR-interval and a QRS-complex withouta preceding P-wave). Responses are expressed relative to the time until2nd degree AV-block occurred in vehicle treated mice.

4. Standard Isolated Atrial Strip Model of Metabolic Stress InducedConduction Slowing

Peptides suitable for administration to cardiac cells can be identifiedin an in vitro model as described by Haugan et al. (J. Cardiovasc.Electrophysiol., 16, 537-545 (2005)).

Rats (300-400 g) are killed by a sharp blow on the neck. The heart israpidly excised and transferred to a small dish containing 370oxygenated modified Tyrodes buffer containing (in mM): NaCl 136, KCl 4,MgCl₂ 0.8, CaCl₂ 1.8 HEPES 5, MES 5, Glucose 6, pH 7.3. The left atriumis carefully dissected and a tissue sample of approximately 2×6 mm istaken from the left atrial appendage and placed in a tissue chamber(volume 5 ml), (Steiert Organ Bath, Hugo Sach Electronic, Germany). Thechamber is perfused throughout the study with 37° C. oxygenated Tyrodesbuffer at a rate of 10 ml/min.

A bipolar stimulation electrode (Teflon coated stainless steel, diameter75 μM) is placed at one end of the tissue. Stimulation is performed at 1Hz using rectangular pulses at double threshold (duration of stimulus0.2 ms) delivered by a stimulator (Hugo Sachs, Type 215) through anisolation unit (Universal Isolated Stimulator Unit type 263, Hugo Sachs,Germany).

Two separate microelectrodes of pure iridium (World PrecisionInstruments, tip-impedance 3.5-4.0 MΩ) are placed on a line along thelong-axis of the preparation for recording of atrial CV. The distancesfrom the stimulating electrode to the first and second microelectrode is1.5-2.0 mm and 3.0-4.0 mm, respectively. Each microelectrode isconnected to a head-stage preamplifier (10× amplification of thesignals). The preamplifiers are connected to a bio potential amplifiermodule that is connected to the data acquisition system through a HugoSachs PLUGSYS. Signals are filtered at 1 kHz and sampled at 10 kHz.

Following a 30 minutes equilibration period, pacing at 1 Hz isinitiated. During the first 20 minutes recording period (baselineperiod), the chamber is perfused with 37° C. oxygenated Tyrodes buffer,pH 7.3. Compounds (e.g., modified lysine mimetic compounds of thepresent teachings, AAP, AAP10 or controls) are then added to theperfusion buffer for another 20 minute period (pre-treatment period).Following the 20 minutes of pretreatment, perfusion is changed to a 37°C. glucose-free, non-oxygenated Tyrodes buffer, pH 7.3 (with or withoutcompounds of interest) for 40 minutes (metabolic stress period).

The change in conduction velocity during metabolic stress is compared toa group of untreated controls. In untreated preparations, conductiondecreases by 15-45% during the 40 minute period of metabolic stress. Insome embodiments, compounds according to the present teachings canprevent metabolic stress induced conduction slowing during the 40minutes period comparable to the compounds AAP, AAP10, HP5, or afunctional analogue thereof, i.e., the compounds can preserve normalconduction during an episode of metabolic stress.

5. Haematologic Assay

Compounds of the present teachings can also be tested to determine theireffects in accelerating recovery following 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) inducedstress on bone marrow proliferation. Male rats are treated with 5-FU(75-100 nmol/kg i.p.) for 4 days. Blood samples are collected from tailtip before 5-FU treatment (Day 0), and 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 daysfollowing first 5-FU dose. Measurement of peripheral blood counts(granulocytes, lymphocytes, erythrocytes, thrombocytes, reticulocytes)and plasma haemoglobin are taken. After identification of window withsevere pancytopenia, the study is repeated during concomitant treatmentwith a compound of the present teachings.

F. Preparation of Exemplary Compounds

The following non-limiting examples are presented merely in order toillustrate the present teachings. The skilled person in the area willunderstand that there are numerous equivalents and variations notexemplified but still form part of the present teachings.

Lysine mimetic compounds of the present teachings can be synthesized bymeans of solid phase or solution phase synthesis. In this context,reference is given to, amongst many others, Fields et al., “Principlesand practice of solid-phase peptide synthesis”, Synthetic Peptides(2002, 2nd Edition).

Scheme 1 depicts an exemplary synthesis of a compound of Formula III,(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-ylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, wherein Y′ is NHR³ and R³ is not hydrogen.

Different N-substituted amino acid derivatives can be used to synthesizeother compounds of Formula III wherein Y′ is NHR³ and R³ is nothydrogen. For example, 2-chloro-1H-imidazole or 4-bromo-1H-imidazole canbe treated with glycine in water (for example, according to theprocedure set forth in European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (1989),24(6), 623-5) to form 2-(1H-imidazol-2-ylamino)acetic acid or2-(1H-imidazol-4-ylamino)acetic acid, respectively, which can then beused to synthesize(2S,4R)-1-(2-(1H-imidazol-2-ylamino)acetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid or(2S,4R)-1-(2-(1H-imidazol-4-ylamino)acetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid in a manner similar to Scheme 1. Compounds such as(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(pyridin-2-ylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid,(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(pyrimidin-4-ylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, and(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(pyrimidin-2-ylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid can be similarly synthesized from 2-(pyridin-2-ylamino)acetic acid,2-(pyrimidin-4-ylamino)acetic acid, and 2-(pyrimidin-2-ylamino)aceticacid, respectively.

Alternatively, the glycine derivative can be synthesized according toScheme 2.

In the above example, the 2-(1H-pyrazol-5-ylamino)acetic acid thusproduced can be used to synthesize(2S,4R)-1-(2-(1H-pyrazol-5-ylamino)acetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid using the method shown in Scheme 1.

Compounds of Formula II wherein A and R¹ together with the carbon towhich they are bound form a 5-20 membered heteroaryl containing one ormore N, O, or S atoms can be synthesized according to Scheme 1 utilizingthe appropriate carboxylic acid starting materials. For example,(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(1H-imidazole-2-carbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid,(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(1H-pyrazole-5-carbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, or(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(1H-imidazole-5-carbonyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid can be synthesized according to Scheme 1 using1H-imidazole-2-carboxylic acid, 1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylic acid, or1H-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid, respectively.

Scheme 3 depicts another exemplary synthesis of a compound of FormulaIII wherein Y′ is NHR³ and R³ is not hydrogen. In this example,(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(3-phenylureido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, R³ is C(O)NR⁶R⁷.

Different isocyanates (e.g., methylisocyanate or isopropylisocyanate)can be employed in the sysnthesis of Scheme 3 to produce other ureas ofFormula III (e.g.,(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(3-methylureido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid or(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(3-isopropylureido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid).

Scheme 4 depicts an exemplary synthesis of(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(methylsulfonamido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, a compound of Formula III wherein Y′ is NHR³ and R³ is S(O)R⁶.

Starting with other sulfonyl chlorides (e.g., ethanesulfonyl chloride orproane-2-sulfonyl chloride), different sulfonamides of Formula III(e.g.,(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(ethylsulfonamido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid or(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(1-methylethylsulfonamido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid) can be prepared using the method shown in Scheme 4.

Compounds of Formula III wherein k is 1 or 2 (e.g.,(2S,4R)-1-(3-aminopropanoyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid)can be synthesized, for example, according to Scheme 5.

Scheme 6 shows an exemplary synthesis of a compound of Formula III,(2S,4R)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(phenylamino)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid,wherein Z′ is (CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl and m is 0.

Similarly, Scheme 7 depicts an exemplary synthesis a compound of FormulaIII, (2S,4R)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(benzylamino)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, wherein Z′ is (CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl and m is 1.

Compounds wherein Z′ is (CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryl and m is 0 or1 also can be prepared using the appropriate starting materialsaccording to the methods of Schemes 6 or 7.

Scheme 8 shows an exemplary synthesis of a compound Formula III,(2S,4R)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(2-phenylacetamido)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, wherein Z′ is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl and m is 1.

Compounds wherein Z′ is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl and m is 2, or Z′ isC(O)(CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryl and m is 1 or 2, also can beprepared using the appropriate starting materials according to themethod of Scheme 8.

Compounds of Formula III wherein Z′ is S(O)₂(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl orS(O)₂(CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryl can be synthesized, for example,according to Scheme 9, which depicts the synthesis of(2S,4R)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(phenylsulfonamido) pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid.

Scheme 10 shows an exemplary synthesis of(2S,4R)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(4-phenyloxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, a compound of Formula II wherein B is an amide bioisostere (see,e.g., Tetrahedron: Asymmetry, 14(20), 3141-3152; 2003).

Scheme 11 depicts the synthesis of another compound of Formula II,(2S,4R)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(5-phenyloxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, wherein B is a different amide bioisostere (see, e.g., Journal ofHeterocyclic Chemistry (1998), 35(6), 1533-1534).

The synthesis of yet another compound of Formula II wherein B is anamide bioisostere,(2S,4R)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-(4-phenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, is shown in Scheme 12 (see, e.g., Tetrahedron: Asymmetry, 14(20),3141-3152; 2003; Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 44(18), 2990-3000;2001).

Scheme 13 depicts an exemplary synthesis of a compound of Formula II,N-((3R,5S)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide,wherein E is a carboxylic acid bioisostere.

Scheme 14 shows another method by which compounds of Formula II, whereinE is a carboxylic acid bioisostere, can be synthesized (see, e.g.,Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 44(18), 2990-3000; 2001).

In addition toN-((3R,5S)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(5-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamideshown in Scheme 14, compounds of Formula II having different carboxylicacid bioisosteres can be synthesized according to this method by usingdifferent bromocarbonyl reagents (e.g.,N-((3R,5S)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamideorN-((3R,5S)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(5-isopropyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide).

Schemes 15-17 depict other exemplary methods for sythesizing compoundsof Formula II wherein E is a carboxylic acid bioisostere.

In addition to the compounds shown in Schemes 15-17, compounds havingdifferent carboxylic bioisosteres can be synthesized according to thesemethods by varying the reagents. For example different bromide reagentscan be used in Scheme 15 (e.g., to produceN-((3R,5S)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(oxazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide);different dimethylaminoketals can be used in Scheme 16 (e.g., to produceN-((3R,5S)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamideorN-((3R,5S)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(5-isopropyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide);and different ortho esters can be used in Scheme 17 (e.g., to produceN-((3R,5S)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-5-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)benzamide).

1. General Peptide Synthesis

Compounds of the present teachings can be prepared using the method ofsynthesis disclosed, for example, in WO 98/11125 (the entire disclosureof which is incorporated by reference herein). Said methods of synthesiswill result in a primary peptide or peptide like product having atrifluoroacetate counterion and which can be suitable for thepreparation of a medicament. In some instances, however, it can beadvantageous to perform a counter ion exchange from trifluoroacetate toa pharmaceutically acceptable or preferred anion (e.g., acetate) by, forexample, ion exchange chromatography. Alternatively, the primary peptideor peptide like product can be repeatedly freeze dried and dissolved indiluted hydrochloric acid to obtain the purified hydrochloride.

Apparatus and Synthetic Strategy

When using solid phase methodology, the modified peptides weresynthesized batchwise in a polyethylene vessel equipped with apolypropylene filter for filtration using 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl(Fmoc) and tert.-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) or otherwise suitable protectinggroups for the N-amino and the side chain functionalities such as Allyl,Alloc, Dde, Z etc. When using solution phase techniques, the modifiedpeptides were synthesized using standard equipment throughout thesyntheses.

Solvents

Solvent DMF (N,N-dimethylformamide, Riedel de-Häen, Germany) waspurified by passing through a column packed with a strong cationexchange resin (Lewatit S 100 MB/H strong acid, Bayer AG Leverkusen,Germany) and analyzed for free amines prior to use by addition of3,4-dihydro-3-hydroxy-4-oxo-1,2,3-benzotriazine (Dhbt-OH) giving rise toa yellow colour (Dhbt-O— anion) if free amines are present. Solvent DCM(dichloromethane, analytical grade, Riedel de-Häen, Germany) was useddirectly without purification. Acetonitril (HPLC-grade, Lab-Scan, DublinIreland) was used directly without purification.

Amino Acids

Fmoc- and Boc-protected amino acids were purchased from AdvancedChemTech (ACT), Bachem and NeoMPS in suitable side-chain protectedforms.

Benzoic Acid Derivatives

Benzoic acid derivatives were purchased from Aldrich and used withoutfurther purification.

Coupling Reagents

Coupling reagent diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC) was purchased from(Riedel de-Häen, Germany).

Solid Supports

Peptides were synthesized on TentaGel (e.g. SRam) and Polystyrene (e.g.PAM resin) from Advanced ChemTech and Rapp.

Catalysts and Other Reagents

Diisopropylethylamine (DIEA) was purchased from Aldrich, Germany, andethylenediamine from Fluka, hydrazine, piperidine and pyridine fromRiedel-de Häen, Frankfurt, Germany. 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP)was purchased from Fluka, Switzerland and used as a catalyst in couplingreactions involving symmetrical anhydrides. Ethandithiol and Thioanisolwere purchased from Riedel-de Häen, Frankfurt, Germany.3,4-dihydro-3-hydroxy-4-oxo-1,2,3-benzotriazine (Dhbt-OH),1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) (HOAt) were obtained from Fluka,Switzerland.

Coupling Procedures

The first amino acid can be coupled as a symmetrical anhydride in DMFgenerated from the appropriate N-□-protected amino acid and thesubsequent amino acids can be coupled as in situ generated HOBt or HOAtesters made from appropriate N-□-protected amino acids and HOBt or HOAtby means of DIC in DMF. The acylations were checked by the ninhydrintest performed at 80° C. in order to prevent Fmoc deprotection duringthe test (B. D. Larsen, A. Holm, Int. J. Pept. Protein Res., 43, 1-9(1994)).

Deprotection of the Protecting Group (Fmoc and Fm)

Deprotection of the Fmoc and the Fm group was performed by treatmentwith 20% piperidine in DMF (1×5 and 1×10 min.), followed by washing withDMF (5×15 ml, 5 min. each) until no yellow colour could be detectedafter addition of Dhbt-OH to the drained DMF.

Deprotection of the Protecting Group (Boc and tBu)

Deprotection of the Boc and tBu group was performed by treatment with50% TFA in DCM v/v (2×2 min, 1×30 min) followed by washing with DCM (6×2min) and then with DMF (2×2 min) treatment with 5% DIEA in DMF v/v (3×2min) and finally followed by washing with DMF (6×2 min).

Deprotection of the Aloc and Allyl

A solution of 3 eq. Pd(PPh₃)₄ dissolved in 15-20 ml CHCl₃, AcOH, NMM(37:2:1) was added to the peptid resin. The treatment was continued forthree hours at room temperature accompanied by bubbling a stream of N₂through the mixture.

Coupling of Hobt-Esters

3 eq N-α-amino protected amino acid was dissolved in DMF together with 3eq. HOBt and 3 eq. DIC and then added to the resin.

Preformed Symmetrical Anhydride

Six eq. N-α-amino protected amino acid was dissolved in DCM and cooledto 0° C. DIC (3 eq.) was added and the reaction continued for 10minutes. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the remainder dissolved inDMF. The solution was immediately added to the resin followed by 0.1 eq.of DMAP.

Cleavage of the Compound from the Resin Using TFMSA

The Peptidyl-resin was treated with 90% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA,Riedel-de Häen, Frankfurt, Germany) 4% trifluoromethanesulfonic acid(TFMSA, Aldrich) 2% ethandithiol, 4% thioanisol v/v at r.t. for 30-60minutes. The filtered resin was washed with TFA and filtrates andwashings evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was washed withether and freeze-dried from trifluoroacetic acid-water. The crudefreeze-dried product was analyzed by high-performance liquidchromatography (HPLC) and identified by electrospray ionisation massspectrometry (ESMS).

Cleavage of the Compound from Resin Using TFA

The Peptidyl-resin was treated with 95% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA,Riedel-de Häen, Frankfurt, Germany)-water v/v or with 95% TFA and 5%ethandithiol v/v at r.t. for 2 hours. The filtered resin was washed with95% TFA-water and filtrates and washings evaporated under reducedpressure. The residue was washed with ether and freeze-dried from aceticacid-water. The crude freeze-dried product was analyzed byhigh-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and identified byelectrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESMS).

Preparative HPLC Conditions

Preparative chromatography was carried out using a VISION Workstation(PerSeptive Biosystem) equipped with AFC2000 automatic fractioncollector/autosampler. VISION-3 software was used for instrument controland data acquisition.

Column

Kromasil (EKA Chemicals) KR100-10-C8 100 Å, C-8, 10 μm; CER 2230,250×50,8 mm or a VYDAC 218TP101550, 300 Å, C-18, 10-15 μm, 250×50 mm.The buffer system used included A: 0.1% TFA in MQV; B: 0.085% TFA, 10%MQV, 90% MeCN. Flow rates were 35-40 ml/min and the column temperaturewas 25° C. UV detection was performed at 215 nm and 280 nm. Suitablegradients were optimized for individual peptides.

Analytical HPLC Conditions

Gradient HPLC analysis was done using a Hewlett Packard HP 1100 HPLCsystem consisting of a HP 1100 Quaternary Pump, a HP 1100 Autosampler aHP 1100 Column Thermostat and HP 1100 Multiple Wavelength Detector.Hewlett Packard Chemstation for LC software (rev. A.06.01) was used forinstrument control and data acquisition. For analytical HPLC, differentcolumns were used as appropriate, such as VYDAC 238TP5415, C-18, 5 μm,300 Å, or a Jupiter, Phenomenex 00F-4053-E0; 5 μm C-18, 300 Å 150×4.6 mmand others. The buffer system included A: 0.1% TFA in MQV; B: 0.085%TFA, 10% MQV, 90% MeCN. Flow rates were 1 ml/min. The preferred columntemperature was 40° C. UV detection was performed at 215 nm. As above,suitable gradients were optimized for the individual peptides.

Mass Spectroscopy

The peptides were dissolved in super gradient methanol (Labscan, Dublin,Ireland), Milli-Q water (Millipore, Bedford, Mass.) and formic acid(Merck, Damstadt, Germany) (50:50:0.1 v/v/v) to give concentrationsbetween 1 and 10 mg/ml. The peptide solutions (20 ml) were analysed inpositive polarity mode by ESI-TOF-MS using a LCT mass spectrometer(Micromass, Manchester, UK) accuracy of +/−0.1 m/z.

Solid Phase Synthesis

In all syntheses, dry resin was placed in a polyethylene vessel equippedwith a polypropylene filter for filtration. The resin was swelled inDMF. The first amino acid was coupled either as a preformed symmetricalanhydride or as a preactivated HOBt ester as described above. Thefollowing amino acid according to the sequence was coupled as apreformed HObt ester as described above. All couplings were continuedfor at least 2 hours unless otherwise specified. Coupling of the benzoicacid derivative to the side-chain amino functionality on the lysinemimetic amino acid was in all cases performed using a preformedHObt-ester. The final peptide product were cleaved from the solidsupport and analysed by HPLC and MS as described above.

In all cases the benzoic acid derivative is functionalised as acarboxylic acid and was coupled as an in situ generated HOBt ester bymeans of DIC in THF.

All couplings were continued for at least 2 hours. The acylations werechecked by the ninhydrin test performed at 80° C. as earlier described.After completed synthesis the peptide-resin was washed with DMF (3×15ml, 1 min each), DCM (3×15 ml, 1 min each), diethyl ether (3×15 ml, 1min each) and dried in vacuo. The peptide was then cleaved from theresin as described above and freeze-dried.

After purification using preparative HPLC as described above, thepeptide product was collected and the identity of the peptide wasconfirmed by ES-MS.

Exemplary Solution Phase Synthesis

A suitable protected amino acid or a hydroxy- or thiohydroxy acetic acidwith a non-protected carboxylic acid (1 eq) is dissolved in DMF togetherwith DIC (1 eq) and HOBt (1 eq). After 1 hour of pre-activation asuitable protected lysine mimetic building block (LM) is added with anon-protected amino group (1.1 eq) together with TEA (1.3 eq) and themixture is stirred over night at room temperature.

The reaction mixture is evaporated to dryness and the residue isdissolved in ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate phase is extracted with(1) an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid (0.1 M) and (2) an aqueoussolution of sodium hydroxide (0.1 M) (3) water in order to remove excessof starting material. The organic phase is treated with MgSO₄(dessicated) filtered and evaporated to dryness.

The remaining protected amino group of the LM is deprotected usingTFA/DCM if the protecting group is based on tBu, Pd cyclohexen if basedon benzyl, piperidine/DCM if based on fluorenyl, hydrazine if based onDde. After finishing the deprotection reaction (1-2 hours) the reactionmixture is evaporated to dryness. The residue is washed with diethylether and dissolved in DMF together with 1.3 eq TEA and finally added toa solution of a substituted benzoic acid (1 eq) that has beenpreactivated by treatment with DIC (1 eq) and HOBt (1 eq) in DMF. Thecoupling reaction is continued over night.

The reaction mixture is evaporated to dryness and the residue isdissolved in ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate phase is extracted with(1) an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid (0.1 M) and (2) an aqueoussolution of sodium hydroxide (0.1 M) (3) water in order to remove excessof starting material. The organic phase is treated with MgSO₄(dessicated) filtered and evaporated to dryness.

The remaining protecting groups are deprotected using TFA/DCM if theprotection groups are based on tBu, Pd Cyclohexen if based on Benzyl,Piperidine/DCM if based on Fluorenyl, Hydrazine if based Dde. Afterfinishing the deprotection reaction (1-2 hours) the reaction mixture isevaporated to dryness. The residue is washed with diethyl ether anddissolved in TFA/Water and purified using preparative HPLC. Afterpurification using preparative HPLC as described above, the peptideproduct was collected and the identity of the peptide was confirmed byES-MS.

2. Solid Phase Synthesis of Compound 2: (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid

PAM-resin (Advanced Chemtech) was swelled in DMF, washed with 5%Triethyl amine (TEA) in DMF and washed with DMF until no yellow colorcould be detected after adding Dhbt-OH to the drained DMF. (2S,4R)Boc-4Amp(Fmoc)-OH was coupled as symmetrical anhydride as follows.

3eq (2S,4R) Boc-4Amp(Fmoc)-OH was dissolved in DCM and cooled to 0° C.DIC (1.5 eq.) was added and the reaction continued for 10 minutes. Thesolvent was removed in vacuo and the residue dissolved in DMF. Thesolution was immediately added to the resin followed by 0.1 eq. of DMAP.The coupling was continued over night. Excess coupling reagent wasremoved by washing with DMF. Deprotection of the Fmoc group wasperformed by treatment with 20% piperidine in DMF (1×5 and 1×10 min.),followed by washing with DMF until no yellow colour could be detectedafter addition of Dhbt-OH to the drained DMF.

Coupling of benzoic acid was carried out as follows. 3 eq. benzoic acidwas dissolved in DMF together with 3 eq. HOBt and 3 eq. DIC and thenadded to the resin. The coupling was continued over night. Excesscoupling reagent was removed by washing with DMF. Prior to thedeprotection of the Boc group the resin was treated with DCM.Deprotection of the Boc group was performed by treatment with 50% TFA inDCM v/v (2×2 min, 1×30 min) followed by washing with DCM and then withDMF and then treatment with 5% DIEA in DMF v/v and finally followed bywashing with DMF.

Coupling of Boc-Gly-OH was carried out as follows. 3 eq. Boc-Gly-OH wasdissolved in DMF together with 3 eq. HOBt and 3 eq. DIC and then addedto the resin. The coupling was continued 2 hours. Excess couplingreagent was removed by washing with DMF. The coupling was repeated andcontinued over night. Before cleavage of the peptide from the solidsupport the peptide resin was washed with DCM and then with ether andfinally dried under vacuum.

Cleavage of the dipeptide from the PAM-Resin was carried out as follows.The peptide-resin was treated with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, Riedel-deHäen) and after 10 min a volume corresponding to 10% of the TFA totalvolume of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMSA, Aldrich) was added atroom temperature and the reaction was continued for 2 hours. Thefiltered resins were washed with TFA. The raw material was precipitatedfrom the TFA-solution by adding diethylether. The raw material wascollected as a brown oil. The ether solution was further extracted withwater and the water phase was evaporated. The total amount of rawmaterial was purified using prep. HPLC (Vydac C18-column): Buffer A:0.1% TFA in Water; Buffer B: 90% AcCN; 0.1% TFA; 9.9% Water. Flow:35ml/min. Gradient: 0-47 min 100% A to 75% A (Linear). HPLC purity: 99%.MS: calculated M+H=291.12. found M+H=291.7.

3. Solution Phase Synthesis of Compound 2

To a solution of NaHCO₃ (58.64 g, 0.698 mol) in water (625 mL)N-BOC-trans-4-amino-L-proline methyl ester hydrochloride (50 g, 0.1745mol, CNH Technologies, 98%) was added in portions, followed by EtOAc(500 mL). The mixture was cooled to 0° C. A solution of benzoyl chloride(20.26 mL, 0.1745 mol) in EtOAc (100 mL) was added over 25 min at 0° C.The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h. The phases wereseparated and the aqueous phase was extracted with 2×200 mL of EtOAc.The combined organic fraction was washed with 200 mL of 1 N HCl, 100 mLof saturated NaHCO₃ solution, 100 mL of brine, dried over MgSO₄, andconcentrated to afford 60.67 g of(2S,4R)-1-tert-butyl-2-methyl-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxylateas a heavy oil (99.8% yield; 94% yield adjusted to residual EtOAc). ¹HNMR CDCl₃, δ, ppm; for two conformers): 7.78-7.7 (m, 2 H), 7.56-7.4 (m,3 H), 6.25-6.1 (m, 1H), 4.8-4.67 (m, 1 H), 4.51-4.41 (m, 0.4 H), 4.34(dd, J=7, 7 Hz, 0.6 H), 3.97-3.84 (m, 1 H), 3.76 (s, 3 H), 3.52 (dd,J=11, 4 Hz, 0.6 H), 3.39 (dd, J=11, 4 Hz, 0.4 H), 2.47-2.21 (m, 2 H),1.46 (s, 3.6 H), 1.43 (s, 5.4 H). MS (m/z, positive ESI, for M+Na): 371.

(2S,4R)-1-tert-Butyl-2-methyl-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxylate(60.19 g, contains 5.6% EtOAc; 0.1631 mol) was dissolved in Et₂O (100mL), and the solvent was evaporated under vacuum to remove residualEtOAc. The residual oil was dissolved in Et₂O (100 mL). 2N HCl solutionin Et₂O (700 mL) was added (mild exotherm; precipitation commenced afterabout 5 min). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 21 h.At that point, 200 mL of 2N HCl solution in Et₂O was added, and themixture was stirred for additional 24 h. The precipitate was filtered,washed with 500 mL of diethyl ether, and dried in vacuum at ambienttemperature for 24 h to afford 46.03 g of (2S,4R)-methyl4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylate hydrochloride (99% yield). ¹H NMR(CD₃OD, δ, ppm): 7.91-7.84 (m, 2 H), 7.6-7.44 (m, 3H), 4.78 (t, J=8.5Hz, 1 H), 4.69-4.59 (m, 1 H), 3.77 (dd, J=12, 6.6 Hz, 1 H), 3.52 (dd,J=12, 5 Hz, 1 H), 2.67-2.5 (m, 2 H). MS (m/z, positive ESI, for M+H):249.

To a solution of BOC-Gly-OH (28.13 g, 0.1606 mol) and1-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.1686 mol, 25.64 g; contains 11.12 wt % H₂O) inTHF (1.3 L) was added N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimidehydrochloride (0.1686 mol, 32.328 g) (Flask A). The mixture was stirredat ambient temperature for 4 h, then the stirring was stopped and theoily residue was allowed to settle. In a separate flask (Flask B), NaOH(0.1606 mol; 32 mL of 5N solution) was added to a suspension of(2S,4R)-methyl 4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylate hydrochloride(0.1606 mol, 45.73 g) in THF (0.52 L) over 15 min. The mixture wasstirred at ambient temperature for 10 min, during which time the solidsmostly dissolved. The solution of HOBt ester prepared in Flask A wasadded to Flask B at ambient temperature over 15 min, leaving the oilyresidue behind. The residue in Flask A was washed with 250 mL of THF,and the THF solution was decanted from the heavy oil and added to themixture in Flask B. The reaction mixture was stirred at ambienttemperature for 40 min. Water (500 mL) was added, and the mixture wasconcentrated under vacuum to remove THF (˜550 mL residual volume). EtOAc(500 mL) was added, followed by brine (300 mL). The phases wereseparated and the aqueous phase was extracted with 2×300 mL of EtOAc.The combined organic fraction was washed with 2×250 mL of 1N HCl, 2×250mL of sat. NaHCO₃ solution, and 150 mL of brine, then dried over MgSO₄,and concentrated to afford 48.31 g of (2S,4R)methyl-4-benzamido-1-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylateas a foamy solid (74% yield). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ, ppm; for twoconformers): 7.81-7.72 (m, 2 H), 7.57-7.39 (m, 3 H), 6.41 (d, J=6 Hz,0.8 H), 6.25 (d, J=6 Hz, 0.2 H), 5.32 (br. s, 1 H), 4.88-4.74 (m, 1 H),4.65 (t, J=7 Hz, 1 H), 4.11-3.86 (m, 2 H), 3.83-3.78 (m, 1 H), 3.76 (s,3 H), 3.69-3.56 (M, 1 H), 2.65-2.3 (m, 2 H), 1.43 (s, 9 H). MS (m/z,positive ESI, for M+Na): 428.

To a solution of (2S,4R)methyl-4-benzamido-1-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl-amino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylate(23.33 g, 0.0575 mol) in methanol (450 mL) was added NaOH (0.2875 mol,144 mL of 2N aqueous solution) at −1 to 1° C. over 15 min. The mixturewas stirred at −5 to −1° C. for 2.5 h. HCl (0.2875 mol, 144 mL of 2Naqueous solution) was added at −3 to 1° C. over 25 min. MeOH wasdistilled off under vacuum, then 500 mL of EtOAc was added. The aqueousphase was saturated with NaCl and the phases were separated. The aqueousphase was extracted with 2×250 mL EtOAc and the combined EtOAc solutionwas dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated to afford 22.54 g of (2S,4R)4-benzamido-1-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid as a white foamy solid (contains 6.6 wt % EtOAc; 94% yield adjustedto residual EtOAc). ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, δ, ppm): 7.87-7.79 (m, 2 H),7.58-7.42 (m, 3 H), 4.81-4.7 (m 1 H), 4.69-4.56 (m, 1 H), 4.05-3.72 (m,3 H), 3.67-3.49 (m, 1 H), 2.64-2.28 (m, 2 H), 1.43 (s, 9 H). MS (m/z,positive ESI) for M+H: 392; for M+Na: 414.

(2S,4R)4-Benzamido-1-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid (21.97 g; contains 6.6 wt % EtOAc; 0.0524 mol, adjusted to residualEtOAc) was dissolved in dioxane (100 mL). The solvent was evaporatedunder vacuum to remove residual EtOAc. The residue was dissolved inanhydrous dioxane (200 mL) and HCl (100 mL of freshly prepared ˜3.6 Nsolution in dioxane) was added at 10-12° C. The solution was allowed towarm to ambient temperature (precipitation commenced after about 2 min).The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 21 h, atwhich time 30 mL of ˜3.6N HCl solution was added, and the mixture wasstirred for additional 5.5 h. Precipitated solids were filtered using N₂pressure, washed with 4×25 mL of dioxane, and dried under vacuum at roomtemperature for 24 h to afford 18.7 g of crude product as white solid.The crude product was dissolved in i-PrOH (104 mL) and 210 mL of diethylether was added over 1 h (precipitate formed immediately upon etheraddition). The mixture was stirred for 1 h, filtered using N₂ pressure,washed with 2×50 mL of 3:1 Et₂O-i-PrOH solution, and dried under vacuumat room temperature for 24 h and at 40° C. for 48 h to afford 15.7 g of(2S,4R)-1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acidhydrochloride. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d6, δ, ppm, for two conformers): 8.77 (d,J=7 Hz, 0.8 H), 8.71 (d, J=7 Hz, 0.2 H), 8.68-7.95 (br, 2 H), 7.92-7.83(m, 2 H), 7.59-7.43 (m, 3 H), 4.87-4.79 (m, 0.2 H), 4.68-4.54 (m, 0.8H), 4.54-4.44 (m, 1 H), 4.0-3.47 (m, 4 H), 2.47-2.12 (m, 2 H). HRMScalc. for C₁₄H₁₈N₃O₄ (M+H): 292.1297. found: 292.1294.

4. Synthesis of Compounds 64-68 and 70-78

(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid (0.05 g, 0.1 mmol), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole monohydrate (Aldrich,0.021 g, 0.15 mmol, 1.2 equivalents) and1-(3,3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (Aldrich,0.029 g, 0.15 mmol, 1.2 equivalents) were dissolved in acetonitrile (15mL) under nitrogen atmosphere with ice cooling. The temperature wasgradually increased to room temperature over 2 hour time period, and themixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. The reactionsolution was again cooled to 0° C., 25-30% aqueous solution of thecorresponding amine (prepared from a pure reagent obtained from Aldrich)(0.1 mL) was added, and stirring was continued with cooling for 30minutes and then at room temperature for 2 hours. Acetonirile (5 mL) wasadded to the reaction mixture, and the volatiles were removed in vacuo.The semi-solid residue was purified by silica-gel (EMD, 0.040-0.063 mm)chromatography (developing solvent: 3-5% gradientmethanol-dichloromethane) to afford the corresponding amides in 80-87%yield.

The product from the previous step was dissolved in dry dichloromethane(10 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere and 1 M ethereal solution ofhydrochloric acid (Aldrich) (1 mL) was added while keeping thetemperature below 30° C. The reaction mixture was stirred overnightunder nitrogen atmosphere. The precipitate was filtered, washed withdichloromethane (2 mL) and diethyl ether (2 mL) and dried under highvacuum to afford a hydrochloride salt of corresponding compounds 64-68and 70-78 in 75-84% yield and at least 98% purity.

5. Synthesis of Compound 80:(2S,4R)-1-(2-acetamidoacetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid

To a solution of (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (0.05 g,0.17 mmol) and triethylamine (Aldrich) (0.19 mL, 1.37 mmol, 8equivalents) in acetone (3 mL) was slowly added acetic anhydride (0.13mL, 1.37 mmol, 8 equivalents) with stirring at room temperature undernitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was stirred for 3 hours while monitoredby LCMS. Upon completion, the volatiles were removed in vacuo and theresidue was purified by preparative HPLC (column: Xterra MSC18 50×250mm, 10u) using 40/60 to 90/10 methanol/water gradient (0.1% formic acidin methanol and 0.1 formic acid in water) to afford 0.020 g (35% yield)of the desired product as white solid with limited solubility in organicsolvents.

6. Synthesis of Compound 81:(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(methylamino)acetyl) pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid

To a solution of (2S,4R)-methyl 4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylate(intermediate in the synthesis of Compound 2) (0.05 g, 0.20 mmol),1-(3,3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (Aldrich)(0.043 g, 0.22 mmol, 1.1 equivalents), 1-hydroxybenzotriazolemonohydrate (Aldrich) (0.030 g, 0.22 mmol, 1.1 equivalents) and2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl(methyl)amino)acetic acid (Aldrich) (0.038 g, 0.20mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (10 mL) was added N-methylmorpholine(0.05 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. The reaction mixture wasallowed to warm to room temperature during 2 hour time period andstirred overnight at ambient temperature. The volitiles were removed invacuo and the residue was purified by silica-gel (EMD, 0.040-0.063 mm)chromatography (developing solvent: 3-5% gradientmethanol/dichloromethane) to afford 0.064 g (75% yield) of the couplingproduct (2S,4R)-methyl4-benzamido-1-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl(methyl)amino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylate.

To a solution of the abovementioned amide (0.064 g, 0.15 mmol) inmethanol (5 mL) was added 2N aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (0.38mL, 0.75 mmol, 5 equivalents) at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere over 5minutes. The reaction was monitored by LCMS and was finished in 2 hours.2N aqueous hydrochloric acid (Aldrich) (0.38 mL, 0.75 mmol, 5equivalents) was added at 0° C. over 5 min. Methanol was distilled offunder vacuum. Ethyl acetate (10 mL) and water (1 mL) were added. Theaqueous phase was saturated with sodium chloride and the phases wereseparated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×10 mL).The combined organic fractions were dried over magnesium sulfate andconcentrated to afford a white foamy product(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl(methyl)amino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid that was used in thenext step without purification.

The acid from the previous step was dissolved in dry dichloromethane (10mL) under nitrogen atmosphere and 1 M ethereal solution of hydrochloricacid (Aldrich) (1 mL) was added while keeping the temperature below 30°C. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight under nitrogen atmosphere.The formed precipitate was filtered, washed with dichloromethane (2 mL),diethyl ether (2 mL) and dried under high vacuum. The product wasfurther purified by preparative HPLC (column: Xterra MSC18 19×150 mm)using 5% to 95% methanol/water gradient (0.1% formic acid in methanoland 0.1% formic acid in water) to afford 0.026 g (38% over 3 steps) ofthe desired product.

7. Synthesis of Compound 82:(2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid

To a solution of (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid(Compound 2, 0.05 g, 0.17 mmol) and triethylamine (Aldrich) (0.048 mL,0.34 mmol, 2 equivalents) in acetone (3 mL) was added slowlytrifluoroacetic anhydride (0.024 mL, 0.17 mmol) with stirring at roomtemperature under nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was stirred for 1.5hours with careful monitoring by LCMS. Upon completion, the volatileswere removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by preparative HPLC(column: Xterra MSC18 50×250 mm, 10 u) using 5% to 90% methanol/watergradient (0.1% formic acid in methanol and 0.1% formic acid in water) toafford 0.012 g (18% yield) of the desired product.

8. Synthesis of Compound 84: (2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-(dimethylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid

To a solution of (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid(Compound 2, 0.05 g, 0.17 mmol) in methanol (3 mL) at room temperaturewas added 37% aqueous formaldehyde (Aldrich) (0.1 mL). The resultingmixture was stirred at this temperature for 3 hours, then cooled to 0°C., and sodium cyanoborohydride (Aldrich) (0.043 g, 0.69 mmol, 4equivalents) was added portion-wise over 5 minutes. After stirring for 1hour at room temperature, the solvent was removed in vacuo and the solidresidue was purified by preparative HPLC (column: XTerra MS C18, 5u,19×150 mm) using 5% to 95% methanol/water gradient (0.1% formic acid inmethanol and 0.1% formic acid in water) to afford 0.017 g (31% yield) ofthe desired product.

9. Synthesis of Compound 85: (2S,4R)-4-benzamido-1-(2-formamidoacetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid

Acetic anhydride (Acros) (0.32 mL, 3.4 mmol, 10 equivalents) was addeddropwise to a solution of (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid(Compound 2, 0.1 g, 0.34 mmol, 1 equivalent) in formic acid (J. T.Baker) (1 mL) at 0° C. After the addition was complete, the reactionmixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred anadditional 24 hours. The reaction mixture was monitored by TLC and LCMS.An additional amount of acetic anhydride (0.32 mL, 3.4 mmol, 10equivalents) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 24 hours atroom temperature. Ice-water (1 mL) was added and the volatiles wereremoved in vacuo to yield an oily crude product that was furtherpurified by HPLC (column:Waters Atlantis 19×150 mm) using 0.1% formicacid in H20/MeOH 20-40% MeOH over 15 minute gradient to afford 0.031 g(29%) of the desired product.

The general procedures outlined above were used for the synthesis of theexemplary compounds listed in Table 1. TABLE 1 MH+ MH+ HPLC CompoundName found calculated purity Yield % 1 (2S4R) 1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-336.17 336.11 89 18 nitro-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid 3(2S4R) 1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4- 305.2 305.14 87 28methyl-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid 4 (2S4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4- 321.18 321.13 95 37methoxy-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine- 2-carboxylic acid 6(2S4R)1-(2-Amino-4-carboxy- 363.16 363.14 97 18butyryl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine- 2-carboxylic acid 11 (2S4S)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4- 321.05 321.13 99 35methoxy-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine- 2-carboxylic acid 12 (2S4S)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4- 305.27 305.14 99 37methyl-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid 13 (2S4S)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4- 336.18 336.11 99 40nitro-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid 14 (2S4S)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4- 291.29 291.12 99 15 (benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid 24 3-(2-Amino-acetylamino)-5-(4- 327.22 327.12 99 25methyl-benzoylamino)-benzoic acid 26 3-(2-Amino-acetylamino)-5- 313.13313.11 99 10 benzoylamino-benzoic acid 28 (2S4R){[4-(4-Nitro-benzoylamino)- 336.19 336.11 97 39pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}- acetic acid 29 (2S4R) {[4-(4-Methoxy-321.29 321.13 97 30 benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2- carbonyl]-amino}-aceticacid 30 (2S4R)2-{[4-(4-Methyl- 305.28 305.14 98 28benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2- carbonyl]-amino}-acetic acid 35 (2S4S){[4-(benzoylamino)- 291.29 291.12 95 24 pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}-acetic acid 36 (2S4S) {[4-(4-Methoxy- 321.35 321.13 97 33benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2- carbonyl]-amino}-acetic acid 37 (2S4S){[4-(4-Nitro-benzoylamino)- 336.09 336.11 92 37pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}- acetic acid 38 (2S4S) {[4-(4-Methyl-305.29 305.14 95 41 benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2- carbonyl]-amino}-aceticacid 39 [2-Amino-3-(4-benzoylamino- 341.22 341.14 98 20phenyl)-acetylamino]-acetic acid 40 {2-Amino-3-[4-(4-methoxy- 371.28371.15 93 56 benzoylamino)-phenyl]- acetylamino}-acetic acid 41{2-Amino-3-[4-(4-Nitro- 386.28 386.12 93 45 benzoylamino)-phenyl]-acetylamino}-acetic acid 42 {2-Amino-3-[4-(4-methyl- 355.25 355.15 77 40benzoylamino)-phenyl]- acetylamino}-acetic acid 43[(1-Benzoyl-imidazolidine-2- 277.17 277.11 90 22 carbonyl)-amino]-aceticacid 44 {[1-(4-nitro-benzoyl)-imidazolidine-2- 322.15 322.09 95 24carbonyl]-amino}-acetic acid 48 (3-Amino-5-benzoylamino- 313.33 313.1198 22 benzoylamino)-acetic acid 49 (3-Amino-5-(4-methoxy- 343.29 343.1289 45 benzoylamino)-benzoylamino)- acetic acid 50 (3-Amino-5-(4-methyl-327.21 327.12 96 40 benzoylamino)-benzoylamino)- acetic acid 51(3,5-di-Amino-benzoylamino)-acetic 209.11 209.08 98 51 acid 52(2S4R)4-Benzoylamino-1-(2- 292.15 292.29 93 25hydroxy-acetyl)-pyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid 543-Benzoylamino-5-(2-hydroxy- 314.10 314.09 96 12 acetylamino)-benzoicacid 56 1-Benzoyl-3-(2-hydroxy-acetyl)- 278.12 278.09 95 17imidazolidine-2-carboxylic acid amide 64 (2S,4R) 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-291 291.1 98 77 benzamidopyrrolidine-2- carboxamide 65 (2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4- 305 305.1 >99 82 benzamido-N-methylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide 66 (2S,4R) 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4- 317.1 318.1 >99 76benzamido-N-ethylpyrrolidine-2- carboxamide 67 (2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4- 333.2 333.2 >99 81benzamido-N-isopropylpyrrolidine-2- carboxamide 68 (2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4- 331.3 331.2 99 84 benzamido-N-cyclopropylpyrrolidine-2- carboxamide 69 (2S,4R) 4-benzamido-1-(2-(tert-391 391.2 >99 80 butoxycarbonylamino)acetyl)pyr- rolidine-2-carboxamide70 (2S,4R) 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4- 361.1 361.2 >99 81benzamido-N-(pentan-3- yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide 71 (2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4- 359 359.2 99 81 benzamido-N-cyclopentylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide 72 (2S,4R) 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4- 347 347.2 99 79benzamido-N-isobutylpyrrolidine-2- carboxamide 73 (2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4- 345 345.2 >99 78 benzamido-N-cyclobutylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide 74 (2S,4R) 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4- 346.9 347.2 >99 83benzamido-N-tert-butylpyrrolidine-2- carboxamide 75 (2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4- 374.9 375.2 >99 75benzamido-N-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran- 4-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide 76(2S,4R) 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4- 361 361.2 99 80benzamido-N-((R)-3-methylbutan-2- yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide 77(2S,4R) 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4- 374.9 375.2 99 83 benzamido-N-((R)-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2- carboxamide 78 (2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4- 367.2 366.9 99 82 benzamido-N-phenylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide 79 (2S,4R) 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4- 360.3 360.2 >99 13benzamido-N-((R)-tetrahydrofuran- 3-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide 80(2S,4R) 1-(2-acetamidoacetyl)-4- 334.1 334.1 >99 35benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid 81 (2S,4R) 4-benzamido-1-(2-306.2 306.1 >99 38 (methylamino)acetyl)-pyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid82 (2S,4R) 4-benzamido-1-(2-(2,2,2- 388 388.1 >99 18trifluoroacetamido)acetyl)pyrrolidine- 2-carboxylic acid 83 (2S,4R)4-benzamido-1-(2-(tert- 392.3 392.2 >99 30butoxycarbonylamino)acetyl)pyr- rolidine-2-carboxylic acid 84 (2S,4R)4-benzamido-1-(2- 320 320.1 >99 31 (dimethylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid 85 (2S,4R) 4-benzamido-1-(2- 320.1 320.1 >99 29formamidoacetyl)pyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acidG. Biological Assay Data1. Effect of the Compounds on Calcium Induced Arrhythmias

The anti-arrhythmic effect of compounds according to the presentteachings was tested in a model of calcium-induced arrhythmias accordingto the model of Lynch et al., J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. (1981), 3:49-60. Male CD-1 mice were anaesthetized with Ketamine (75 mg/kg) andmedetomidine (1 mg/kg) IP. An i.v. cannula was inserted into the tailvein. A lead II ECG signal was recorded continuously by positioningstainless steel ECG electrodes on the right forelimb and left forelimb.The ground electrode was placed on the right hind limb. The signal wasamplified and filtered using Gould physiograph components and po-ne-mahdata acquisition software. After a 90 sec equilibration period testcompound was injected into the tail vein (over 30 seconds). Micepre-treated with vehicle (0.9% saline) were tested as control animals.The injection volume was 100 μl/30 g mice in all experiments. Infusionof CaCl₂ (30 mg/mL, 0.1 mL/min/30 g mice, 100 mg/kg/min) was started 3min after IV administration of drug or vehicle. The time lag to onset ofcardiac conduction block was determined as the time from the start ofCaCl₂ infusion until the first arrhythmic event occured. The firstconduction block was defined as the first RR-interval, larger/or equalto, 3 times one RR-interval from the pre-treatment period. The firstarrhythmic event occurring was either a second degree AV-block(intermittent failure of the AV conduction characterized by a P-wavewithout the concomitant QRS complex) or a second degree SA block(prolonged RR-interval and a QRS-complex without a preceding P-wave).

Mice pre-treated with vehicle (0.9% saline) were tested on all days as ameasure for control level in untreated animal. Injection volume was 100μL in all experiments. The time lag to onset of arrhythmias wasdetermined as the time from the start of CaCl₂ infusion until the firstevent of conduction block defined as intermittent failure of the SA orAV conduction characterized by delayed P-wave activation (SA block) orby a P-wave without the concomitant QRS complex (AV block). The time lagto onset of AV block is given below in Table 2. TABLE 2 Compound Time toAV block (sec.) Saline (control) 62-78 2 134.7 6 117.9 26 122.8 52 135.654 121.7 56 128.1 64 111.7 65 115.2 66 122.7 67 134.4 68 143.8 80 111.581 123.2 82 113.8 83 110.9 84 108.8

It follows from the data presented in Table 2 that pre-treatment of amouse with a range of compounds of the present teachings resulted in aconsistent increase in the time to an AV block in the mouse afterinfusion of CaCl₂. Compounds of the present teachings thus exhibitanti-arrhythmic properties.

2. Effect of the Compounds on Metabolic Stress Induced Atrial ConductionSlowing

The ability to maintain conduction during metabolic stress was tested inan in vitro model as described by Haugan et al (J. Cardiovasc.Electrophysiol., 2005:16:537-545). Rats (300-400 g) were killed by asharp blow on the neck. The heart was rapidly excised and transferred toa small dish containing 370 oxygenated modified Tyrodes buffercontaining (in mM): NaCl 136, KCl 4, MgCl₂ 0.8, CaCl₂ 1.8 HEPES 5, MES5, Glucose 6, pH 7.3. The left atrium was carefully dissected and atissue sample of approximately 2×6 mm was taken from the left atrialappendage and placed in a tissue chamber (volume 5 ml), (Steiert OrganBath, Hugo Sach Electronic, Germany). The chamber was perfusedthroughout the study with 37° C. Tyrodes buffer at a rate of 10 ml/min.

A bipolar stimulation electrode (Teflon coated stainless steel, diameter75 μM) was placed at one end of the tissue. Stimulation was performed at1 Hz using rectangular pulses at double threshold (duration of stimulus0.2 ms) delivered by a stimulator (Hugo Sachs, Type 215) through anisolation unit (Universal Isolated Stimulator Unit type 263, Hugo Sachs,Germany).

Two separate microelectrodes of pure iridium (World PrecisionInstruments, tip-impedance 3.5-4.0 MΩ) were placed on a line along thelong-axis of the preparation for recording of atrial CV. The distancesfrom the stimulating electrode to the first and second microelectrode is1.5-2.0 mm and 3.0-4.0 mm, respectively. Each microelectrode wasconnected to a head-stage preamplifier (10× amplification of thesignals). The preamplifiers were connected to a bio potential amplifiermodule that was connected to the data acquisition system through a HugoSachs PLUGSYS. Signals were filtered at 1 kHz and sampled at 10 kHz.

Following a 30 minute equilibration period, pacing at 1 Hz wasinitiated. During the first 20 minute recording period (baselineperiod), the chamber was perfused with 37° C. oxygenated Tyrodes buffer,pH 7.3. Then the test sample (Compound 2) or control was added to theperfusion buffer for another 20 minute period (pre-treatment period).Following the 20 minutes of pretreatment, perfusion was changed to a 37°C. glucose-free, non-oxygenated Tyrodes buffer, pH 7.3 (with or withoutcompounds of interest) for 40 minutes (metabolic stress period). Theresults of these experiments are shown graphically in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 1, in preparations containing the control, conductionvelocity decreased by 22%. In contrast, in preparations treated withCompound 2, atrial conduction velocity did not change compared tobaseline.

It follows from the data presented in FIG. 1 that pre-treatment of anisolated rat atrial strip with a compound of the present teachingssignificantly prevented metabolic stress induced cardiac conductionslowing. Cardiac diseases such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter,ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation are allcharacterized by the presence of abnormal cardiac conduction slowing.Thus, through the effect on cardiac conduction, compounds of the presentteachings are expected to exert anti-arrhythmic effects.

3. Plasma Stability Assay

To predict its plasma stability, compounds of the present teachings wereincubated in male rat plasma (1:1 plasma: pH 7.4 buffer) at 1 μMconcentration at 37° C. After 3 hours, the reaction was quenched withcold acetonitrile. The solution was centrifuged and the supernatant wasanalyzed with LC-MS using the following HPLC conditions:ThermoHypersil-Keystone Aquasil C18 column (50 mm×2.1 mm, 5 μM) at ambienttemperature; Solvent A: 0.1% formic acid in water; Solvent B: 0.1%formic acid in acetonitrile; solvent gradient: 100% A to 50% A over 2.5min, to 10% A over 1.5 min, and returning to 100% A and re-equilibratingfor 1.5 min; flowrate: 0.8 mL/min. The percent of the compound remainingwas calculated by dividing the 3-hour incubation sample LC-MS signalarea counts by the time=0 area counts. The results of these experimentsare summarized in Table 3 below. TABLE 3 Compound % Remaining 2 93 64 2765 87 66 100 67 100 68 96 69 92 70 93 71 90 72 88 73 95 80 100 81 100 8234 83 100 84 100 85 1074. Metabolic Stability Assay

To predict the stability of the compound under first pass (Phase I)metabolism, compounds of the present invention teachings were incubatedwith male rat liver microsomes at 1 μM concentration and 0.5 mg/mLprotein concentration at 37° C. After 15 min, the reaction was quenchedwith cold acetonitrile. The solution was centrifuged and the supernatantwas analyzed with LC-MS using the HPLC conditions described in section 3above. The percent remaining was calculated by dividing the 15-minuteincubation sample LC-MS area counts by the time=0 area counts, and thehalf-life of the compound was derived using first-order reactionkinetics. Based on this assay, Compounds 2, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70,71, 72, 73, 80, 81, 82, 83 and 84 had half-lives greater than 30 minutesmale rat liver microsomes.

5. Canine Infarct Size Size Reperfusion Arrhythmia Model

Compound 2 was tested in dogs subjected to a 60-min coronary arteryocclusion and 4 hr reperfusion, as described by Hennan et al. (J. Exp.Pharmacol. Ther., 317, 236-43 (2006)). Compound 2 was administered IV10-min before reperfusion as a bolus+IV infusion at doses of: 0.25 μg/kgbolus+0.19 μg/kg/hr infusion (n=6); 2.5 μg/kg bolus+1.9 pg/kg/hrinfusion (n=7); 25 μg/kg bolus+19 pg/kg/hr infusion (n=6); 75 μg/kgbolus+57 μg/kg/hr infusion (n=5); vehicle control (n=7). Prematureventricular complexes (PVC's) were quantified during reperfusion. Fouror more consecutive PVC's was defined as ventricular tachycardia (VT).Total incidence of VT was reduced significantly with the two highestdoses of Compound 2 (1.7±0.8; 2.2±1.4 events; p<0.05) compared tocontrols (23.0±6.1). Total PVC's were reduced significantly from11.1±1.6% in control animals to 2.0±0.7% and 1.8±0.8% after the twohighest doses of Compound 2. Infarct size, expressed as percent of leftventricle, was reduced significantly from 19.0±3.5 in controls to7.9±1.5 and 7.1±0.8% (p<0.05) at the two highest doses of Compound 2.These results demonstrate that compounds of the present teachings arepotent antiarrhythmic compounds with cardioprotective effects.

6. In Vitro Cell Swelling and Dye Uptake Model

Peptides capable of demonstrating cytoprotection can be identified in anin vitro model of ischemia induced cell swelling and dye uptake. In thisexperiment, the effect of Compound 2 on calcein dye-uptake induced bymetabolic inhibition in cultured C6 glioma cells overexpressingconnexin43 was studied. Cells were incubated under control conditionsand during simulated ischemia (SI) for 40 minutes in the presence ofcalcein (200 μM). Following incubation the cells were subjected toepifluorescence microscopy to determine the uptake of calcein.Incubation of C6 cells in SI medium increased dye-uptake to 5-fold abovecontrol values. The uptake was dose-dependently inhibited by Compound 2,and minimum uptake was obtained at 100 μM Compound 2 (32% relativereduction of the SI inducible response; p<0.05 vs. vehicle). Controlcells exhibited cell swelling during the 40 min stress period, whereascells treated with Compound 2 did not.

Variations, modifications, and other implementations of what isdescribed herein will occur to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the spirit and the essential characteristics ofthe present teachings. Accordingly, the scope of the present teachingsis to be defined not by the preceding illustrative description butinstead by the following claims, and all changes that come within themeaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to beembraced therein.

1-27. (canceled)
 28. A compound having the Formula II:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrugthereof, wherein: A is (CH₂)_(k)—Y′; k is 0, 1, or 2; Y′ is OR² orNR²R³; R¹is selected from H, an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, anoptionally substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀aralkyl, and an amino acid side chain; alternatively, A and R¹ togetherwith the carbon atom to which they are bound form a 5-20 memberedheteroaryl containing 1-4 ring heteroatoms independently selected fromN, O, or S and optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups; B is selectedfrom NR⁵, NR⁵(CH₂)_(n)C(O), NR⁵(CH₂)_(n)SO₂, and an amide bioisostere; nis 0, 1, or 2; Z is selected from H, (CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionallysubstituted with 1-5 Q groups, and (CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryloptionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups; m is 0, 1, or 2; E is selectedfrom C(O)OR⁶, C(O)NR⁶R⁷, a carboxylic acid bioisostere and an amidebioisostere; Q, at each occurrence, independently is selected from anoptionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, an optionallysubstituted C₃₋₂₀ cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, anoptionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, an optionally substituted 3-20membered cycloheteroalkyl, an optionally substituted 5-20 memberedheteroaryl, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, CF₃, OCF₃, NO₂, OR⁸, SR⁸, S⁺R⁸ ₂, S(O)R⁸,S(O)₂R⁸, S(O)₂OH, S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NR⁸S(O)₂R⁹, C(O)R⁸, C(O)OR⁸, C(O)NR⁸R⁹,OC(O)R⁸, NR⁸R⁹, NR⁸C(O)R⁹, NR⁸C(O)OR⁹, NR⁸C(O)NR⁸R⁹, and N⁺R⁸ ₃; R² andR³ each independently is selected from H, an optionally substitutedC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀ cycloalkyl, an optionallysubstituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, an optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, anoptionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, an optionallysubstituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl, C(O)R⁶, C(O)OR⁶, C(O)NR⁶R⁷,S(O)₂R⁶, and S(O)₂NR⁶R⁷; alternatively, R² and R³ together with thenitrogen atom to which they are bound form a 3-20 membered heterocycleoptionally containing 1-4 ring heteroatoms independently selected fromO, N or S and optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups; R⁵ is H or anoptionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; R⁶ and R⁷ each independently isselected from H, an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionallysubstituted C₃₋₂₀ cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl,an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, an optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, an optionally substituted3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, an optionally substituted 5-20 memberedheteroaryl, C(O)R⁸, C(O)OR⁸, and C(O)NR⁸R⁹; alternatively, R⁶ and R⁷together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound form a 3-20membered heterocycle optionally containing 1-4 ring heteroatomsindependently selected from O, N or S and optionally substituted with1-5 Q groups; and R⁸ and R⁹ each independently is selected from H, anoptionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, an optionallysubstituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, an optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, anoptionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, an optionally substituted 3-20membered cycloheteroalkyl, and an optionally substituted 5-20 memberedheteroaryl, provided that the compound is not1-(2-aminopropanoyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid.
 29. Thecompound according to claim 28, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein A is (CH₂)_(k)—Y′ and Y′ isNR²R³.
 30. The compound according to claim 29, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein R² is H; andR³ is selected from H, an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C(O)R⁶,and C(O)OR⁶.
 31. The compound according to claim 30, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof,wherein R³ is H.
 32. The compound according to claim 30, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof,wherein R³ is C(O)R⁶ and R⁶ is H or an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀alkyl.
 33. The compound according to claim 28, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein A is(CH₂)_(k)—Y′, Y′ is OR² and R² is H or C₁₋₁₀ alkyl.
 34. The compoundaccording to claim 28, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester,hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein k is
 0. 35. The compound accordingto claim 28, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate orprodrug thereof, wherein k is
 1. 36. The compound according to claim 28,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrugthereof, wherein R¹ is H.
 37. The compound according to claim 33, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof,wherein: R¹ is an amino acid side chain; and the amino acid is selectedfrom valine, norvaline, leucine, norleucine, isoleucine, methionine,alanine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, serine, threonine,cysteine, lysine, argenine, histidine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid,asparagine, glutamine, ornithine, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, and2,6-diaminopimelic acid, provided that the compound is not1-(2-aminopropanoyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid.
 38. Thecompound according to claim 28, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein A and R¹ together with thecarbon atom to which they are bound form a 5-20 membered heterocyclecontaining 1-4 ring heteroatoms independently selected from N, O, or Sand optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups.
 39. The compound accordingto claim 38, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate orprodrug thereof, wherein the 5-20 membered heterocycle is selected frompiperidine, piperazine, morpholine, thiomorpholine, pyrrolidine,oxazolidine, thiazolidine, imidazolidine, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrazole,triazole, tetrazole, furan, thiofuran, oxazole, isoxazole, thiazole,isothiazole, oxadiazole, thiadiazole, pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine,pyrazine, indole, benzofuran, and benzothiophene, each of whichoptionally is substituted with 1-5 Q groups.
 40. The compound accordingto claim 28, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate orprodrug thereof, wherein B is NR⁵(CH₂)_(n)C(O) and Z is (CH₂)_(m)—C₆-₂₀aryl optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups or (CH₂)_(m)-5-20 memberedheteroaryl optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups.
 41. The compoundaccording to claim 40, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester,hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein n is
 0. 42. The compound accordingto claim 40, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate orprodrug thereof, wherein R⁵ is H.
 43. The compound according to claim40, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrugthereof, wherein m is
 0. 44. The compound according to claim 40, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof,wherein Z is optionally substituted phenyl.
 45. The compound accordingto claim 40, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate orprodrug thereof, wherein m is 1 or
 2. 46. The compound according toclaim 28, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate orprodrug thereof, wherein B is NHC(O) and Z is optionally substitutedphenyl.
 47. The compound according to claim 28, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein B is NR⁵, R⁵is H, Z is (CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groupsor (CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryl optionally substituted with 1-5 Qgroups, and m is 0 or
 1. 48. The compound according to claim 28, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof,wherein B is NR⁵(CH₂)_(n)SO₂ and Z is (CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl optionallysubstituted with 1-5 Q groups or (CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryloptionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups.
 49. The compound according toclaim 28, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate orprodrug thereof, wherein B is an amide bioisostere.
 50. The compoundaccording to claim 49, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester,hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein Z is phenyl optionally substitutedwith 1-5 Q groups.
 51. The compound according to claim 28, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof,wherein E is C(O)OR⁶.
 52. The compound according to claim 51, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof,wherein E is C(O)OH.
 53. The compound according to claim 28, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof,wherein E is C(O)NR⁶R⁷.
 54. The compound according to claim 53, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof,wherein E is C(O)NH₂.
 55. The compound according to claim 53, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof,wherein R⁶ is H and R⁷ is selected from an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀ cycloalkyl, an optionallysubstituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl and an optionally substitutedC₆₋₂₀ aryl.
 56. The compound according to claim 28, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof,wherein E is a carboxylic acid bioisostere.
 57. A compound having theFormula III:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrugthereof, wherein: Y′ is OR², or NR²R³; k is 0, 1, or 2; Z′ is selectedfrom H, (CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl, (CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryl,C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl, C(O)(CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryl,(CH₂)_(m)C(O)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl, (CH₂)_(m)C(O)-5-20 membered heteroaryl,S(O)₂(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀ aryl, and S(O)₂(CH₂)_(m)-5-20 membered heteroaryl,wherein each of the C₆₋₂₀ aryl and 5-20 membered heteroaryl isoptionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups; m is 0, 1, or 2; Q, at eachoccurrence, independently is selected from an optionally substitutedC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, an optionallysubstituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀ cycloalkyl,an optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀aralkyl, an optionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, anoptionally substituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, CF₃,OCF₃, NO₂, OR⁸, SR⁸, S⁺R⁸ ₂, S(O)R⁸, S(O)₂R⁸, S(O)₂OH, S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹,NR⁸S(O)₂R⁹, C(O)R⁸, C(O)OR⁸, C(O)NR⁸R⁹, OC(O)R⁸, NR⁸R⁹, NR⁸C(O)R⁹,NR⁸C(O)OR⁹, NR⁸C(O)NR⁸R⁹, and N⁺R⁸ ₃; R¹ is selected from H, anoptionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, and an amino acid sidechain; R² and R³ each independently is selected from H, an optionallysubstituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀ cycloalkyl, anoptionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, an optionally substituted C₆₋₂₀aryl, an optionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, anoptionally substituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl, C(O)R⁶, C(O)OR⁶,C(O)NR⁶R⁷, SO₂R⁶, and SO₂NR⁶R⁷; alternatively, R² and R³ together withthe nitrogen atom to which they are bound form a 3-20 memberedheterocycle optionally containing 1-4 ring heteroatoms independentlyselected from O, N or S and optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups;R⁴is OR⁶ or NR⁶R⁷; R⁵ is H or optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; R⁶ andR⁷ each independently is selected from H, an optionally substitutedC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀ cycloalkyl, an optionallysubstituted C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, anoptionally substituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀aralkyl, an optionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, anoptionally substituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl, C(O)R⁸, C(O)OR⁸, andC(O)NR⁸R⁹; alternatively, R⁶ and R⁷ together with the nitrogen atom towhich they are bound form a 3-20 membered heterocycle optionallycontaining 1-4 ring heteroatoms independently selected from O, N or Sand optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups; and R⁸ and R⁹ eachindependently is selected from H, an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl,an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀ cycloalkyl, an optionally substitutedC₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, an optionally substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, an optionallysubstituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl, an optionally substituted C₇₋₂₀ aralkyl, anoptionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl, and an optionallysubstituted 5-20 membered heteroaryl, provided that the compound is not1-(2-aminopropanoyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid.
 58. Thecompound according to claim 57, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein k is
 0. 59. The compoundaccording to claim 57, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester,hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein k is
 1. 60. The compound accordingto claim 57, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate orprodrug thereof, wherein: Y′ is NR²R³; R² is H; and R³ is selected fromH, an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C(O)R⁶, and C(O)OR⁶.
 61. Thecompound according to claim 60, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein R³ is H.
 62. The compoundaccording to claim 60, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester,hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein R³ is C(O)R⁶ and R⁶ is H or anoptionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl.
 63. The compound according to claim57, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrugthereof, wherein Y′ is OR².
 64. The compound according to claim 63, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof,wherein R² is H.
 65. The compound according to claim 63, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof,wherein R² is an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl.
 66. The compoundaccording to claim 57, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester,hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein R¹ is H.
 67. The compound accordingto claim 57, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate orprodrug thereof, wherein: R¹ is an amino acid side chain; and the aminoacid is selected from valine, norvaline, leucine, norleucine,isoleucine, methionine, alanine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan,serine, threonine, cysteine, lysine, argenine, histidine, aspartic acid,glutamic acid, asparagine, glutamine, ornithine, 2,4-diaminobutyricacid, and 2,6-diaminopimelic acid, provided that the compound is not1-(2-aminopropanoyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid.
 68. Thecompound according to claim 57, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein R⁴ is OR⁶.
 69. The compoundaccording to claim 68, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester,hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein R⁴ is OH.
 70. The compound accordingto claim 57, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate orprodrug thereof, wherein R⁴ is NR⁶R⁷.
 71. The compound according toclaim 70, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate orprodrug thereof, wherein R⁴ is NH₂.
 72. The compound according to claim70, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrugthereof, wherein R⁶ is H; and R⁷ is selected from an optionallysubstituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, an optionally substituted C₃₋₂₀ cycloalkyl, anoptionally substituted 3-20 membered cycloheteroalkyl and an optionallysubstituted C₆₋₂₀ aryl.
 73. The compound according to claim 70, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof,wherein R⁶ and R⁷ together with the nitrogen atom to which they arebound form a 3-20 membered heterocycle optionally containing 1-4 ringheteroatoms independently selected from O, N or S and optionallysubstituted with 1-5 Q groups; and the 3-20 membered heterocycle isselected from piperidine, piperazine, morpholine, thiomorpholine,pyrrolidine, oxazolidine, thiazolidine, and imidazolidine.
 74. Thecompound according to claim 57, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein: Z′ is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)—C₆₋₂₀aryl optionally substituted with 1-5 Q groups; and m is
 0. 75. Thecompound according to claim 57, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,ester, hydrate or prodrug thereof, wherein Z′ is benzoyl.
 76. Thecompound according to claim 57 having the following structure:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrugthereof.
 77. The compound according to claim 57 having the followingstructure:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrugthereof.
 78. The compound according to claim 57 having the followingstructure:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrugthereof.
 79. The compound according to claim 57 having the followingstructure:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrugthereof.
 80. The compound according to claim 57, selected from:1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-nitro-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; 1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid;1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-methyl-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid;1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-methoxy-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid;1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-hydroxy-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; 1-(3-Amino-propionyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; and 4-Benzoylamino-1-(2-hydroxy-acetyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, andprodrugs thereof.
 81. The compound according to claim 80 selected from:(2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-nitro-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; (2S,4R) 1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-methyl-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-methoxy-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; (2S,4R)1-(3-Amino-propionyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid;(2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-hydroxy-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; (2S,4S)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-methoxy-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; (2S,4S)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-methyl-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; (2S,4S)1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-(4-nitro-benzoylamino)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; (2S,4S) 1-(2-Amino-acetyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; and (2S,4R)4-Benzoylamino-1-(2-hydroxy-acetyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid, andpharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof.
 82. The compound according to claim 57, selected from:1-(2-Amino-4-carboxy-butyryl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid;1-[2-Amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-propionyl]-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid;1-(2-Amino-4-methyl-pentanoyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; and1-(2-Amino-3-phenyl-propionyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, andprodrugs thereof.
 83. The compound according to claim 82 selected from:(2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-4-carboxy-butyryl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; (2S,4R)1-[2-Amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-propionyl]-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-4-methyl-pentanoyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; and (2S,4R)1-(2-Amino-3-phenyl-propionyl)-4-benzoylamino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, andprodrugs thereof.
 84. The compound according to claim 57, selected from:1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-methylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-ethylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-isopropylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-cyclopropylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;4-benzamido-1-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(pentan-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-cyclopentylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-isobutylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-cyclobutylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-tert-butylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(3-methylbutan-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(3,3-dimethylbutan-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-phenylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide; and1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide,and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof.
 85. The compound according to claim 84 selected from: (2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxamide; (2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-methylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide; (2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-ethylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide; (2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-isopropylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;(2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-cyclopropylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;(2S,4R)4-benzamido-1-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;(2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(pentan-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;(2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-cyclopentylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;(2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-isobutylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;(2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-cyclobutylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;(2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-tert-butylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;(2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;(2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-((R)-3-methylbutan-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;(2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-((R)-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;(2S,4R) 1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-phenylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide;and (2S,4R)1-(2-aminoacetyl)-4-benzamido-N-((R)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide,and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, and prodrugsthereof.
 86. The compound according to claim 57, selected from:1-(2-acetamidoacetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid;4-benzamido-1-(2-(methylamino)acetyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid;4-benzamido-1-(2-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid;4-benzamido-1-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; 4-benzamido-1-(2-(dimethylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; and 4-benzamido-1-(2-formamidoacetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, andprodrugs thereof.
 87. The compound according to claim 86 selected from:(2S,4R) 1-(2-acetamidoacetyl)-4-benzamidopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid;(2S,4R) 4-benzamido-1-(2-(methylamino)acetyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; (2S,4R)4-benzamido-1-(2-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; (2S,4R)4-benzamido-1-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid; (2S,4R)4-benzamido-1-(2-(dimethylamino)acetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid;and (2S,4R) 4-benzamido-1-(2-formamidoacetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylicacid, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, hydrates, andprodrugs thereof.
 88. A prodrug of a compound according to claim 57,wherein the prodrug is an oxazolidinone or imidazolidinone prodrug. 89.A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 57or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, hydrate or prodrugthereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 90. A method oftreating or preventing a pathological condition comprising administeringto a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound accordingto claim
 57. 91. The method according to claim 90, wherein the subjectis a human being.
 92. The method according to claim 90, wherein thepathological condition is selected from cardiovascular disease;osteoporosis; inflammation of airway epithelium; disorders of alveolartissue; bladder incontinence; impaired hearing; endothelial lesions;Type I or Type II diabetes; diabetic retinopathy; diabetic neuropathy;atherosclerosis; CNS related conditions; seizures; ischemia; dentaltissue disorders; kidney diseases; anaemia; leukopenia;thrombocytopenia; pancytopenia; superficial wounds; deep woundsresulting from trauma; bone fractures; erectile dysfunction; urinarybladder incontinence; neuropathic pain; subchronic and chronicinflammation; cancer; failure of bone marrow; stem cell transplantation;conditions arising during transplantation of cells and tissues;conditions arising during medical procedures; conditions caused by anexcess of reactive oxygen species, free radicals or nitric oxide;diseases or disorders of pregnancy; female infertility; and stroke. 93.The method according to claim 90, wherein the pathological condition iscardiovascular disease.
 94. The method according to claim 93, whereinthe cardiovascular disease is selected from atrial fibrillation, atrialflutter, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. 95.(canceled)
 96. The method according to claim 90, wherein the compound isformulated for parenteral or oral administration.